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Actor Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison
Former actor Lillo Brancato was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison and five years' probation for his role in a unsuccessful burglary that lead to the death of a New York City police officer. The three years he has already served behind bars will count toward his 10-year sentence. Brancato, 32, who starred in "A Bronx Tale," had faced murder charges stemming from the death of off-duty Police Officer Daniel Enchautegui in 2005, but was only found guilty of attempted burglary. Brancato says he and friend, Steven Armento, went to the officer's neighbor's house looking for drugs. Enchautegui was shot and killed when he came over to investigate. Before he was sentenced, Brancato told the judge he thinks about and prays for Enchautegui every day. The judge responded that the defendant had wasted "an extraordinary opportunity." The victim's sister said she was disappointed that Brancato was cleared of the murder charge. "He'll always be a murderer. No matter what the jury says, he's a murderer. He knows he's a murderer," said Enchautegui's sister, Yolanda Rosa. "We are severely disappointed the judge did not have the courage to follow through and give the maximum sentence to this lowlife, drug addict, washed-up actor - Lillo Brancato," said John Puglissi, vice president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. Brancato's attorney says his client will use his time behind bars to turn his life around. "He's going to do something with his life. He's not going to whine or complain about it," said defense attorney Joseph Tacopina. "He's going to do something with those five years. His words were, 'This is going to be good for me. These five years, I'm going to use this to straighten myself out, put my thoughts together, and get ready to re-enter society as a young man.'" Steven Armento was convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence. |
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