Mark Lawrence Bernadino, II, 25, of Richmond, KY appeared before Judge Allen B. Roberts in District Court on Monday (Dec. 08, 2025) for a preliminary hearing in Case #25-F-00135. Bernadino was arrested on November 15, 2025 by Deputy Andrew Brewer after the officer was dispatched to Shell Mart in McKee, KY, for a possible domestic situation.
According to Uniform Citation #EU58816, when Deputy Brewer arrived at the scene, Bernadino was sitting in his car at the gas pumps closest to the Shell Mart doors. Bernadino told Deputy Brewer that he was giving the woman inside the store a ride from Richmond to Berea to get her insulin. Bernadino then stated that he was a Richmond Police Officer. Deputy Brewer reported that Bernadino was very erratic in his movements and actions, so he was detained and placed in Deputy Brewer’s patrol vehicle while the woman inside the store was interviewed.
Upon speaking with the alleged victim, she stated that she was with her husband in Richmond when they got a ride from Bernadino. Bernadino then told her husband that he needed power steering fluid. When the alleged victim’s husband went inside the store to get the power steering fluid, Bernadino sped off with the alleged victim still in the vehicle. Bernadino allegedly told her that he had guns and pulled her hair, was rough with her, and also touched her sexually. She asked to get out of the car, but he would not let her.
Deputy Brewer read Bernadino his Miranda Rights and got a record statement. Bernadino stated that he was trying to do this woman a favor and get her away from her abusive husband. He continued explaining how he left Richmond and was taking her to Berea to get her insulin.
Bernadino was placed under arrest and transported to the Jackson County Detention Center. Deputy Brewer asked if Bernadino would submit to a blood test and he refused stating that he wanted to talk with his attorney. Bernadino reportedly made a spontaneous utterance three times that he had just smoked pot. Bernadino was booked and charged with kidnapping – adult, unlawful imprisonment, 1st degree, impersonating a peace officer, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, 1st offense, sexual abuse, 1st degree, wanton endangerment, 1st degree, menacing, and assault, 4th degree (no visible injury).
At his earlier arraignment, Bernadino entered not guilty pleas to all charges. Judge Bailey-Lewis ruled that Bernadino was a danger to himself or others and maintained his bond at $50,000. The court also ordered a pretrial suspension of Bernadino’s operator’s license.
During the preliminary hearing on Monday, Judge Roberts heard testimony from Deputy Andrew Brewer and ruled that probable cause had been established. The case was subsequently bound over to a Grand Jury for consideration and possible indictment(s).
Bernadino was recognized to appear in Circuit Court on February 03, 2026 to answer any indictments that may be forthcoming from the Grand Jury.
As in all cases at this stage of adjudication, the charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until provided due process and determined to be guilty by the court.
