Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
It’s been over two years since a devastating arson fire completely destroyed the home and possessions of the family of Joe and Michelle Brown of Merrill. This afternoon, the Browns were joined by family and friends and members of local law enforcement, as the individual responsible for the devastation was sentenced to nearly 20 years of confinement in the Wisconsin Prison System; pleading guilty to Felony charges of Arson of Building without Owner’s Consent and Injury by Negligent Use/Weapon/Explosive
23-year old David Ostrowski of Merrill appeared Thursday in front of Marathon County Judge Lamont Jacobson in Lincoln County Circuit Court. In addition to 19 1/2 years of initial confinement, Ostrowski was sentenced to 14 years of extended supervision and ordered to pay $289,003 in restitution.
During emotional victim impact statements both Joe and Michelle explained to the court not only the impact of the devastating blaze which Ostrowski set, while they, their children and three of their children’s friends were asleep, but the devastating aftermath of emotional and financial hardship. While rendering his sentence, Jacobson agreed with the Brown’s desire and Lincoln County District Attorney Galen Bayne-Allison’s recommendation, for Ostrowski to be confined for an extended period of time. Jacobson indicated Ostrowski is a threat to the community, and listed that principle as a key factor in his decision.
Watch as Marathon County Judge Lamont Jacobson renders his sentence: