Paroled ‘Sopranos’ Actor Discusses Drug Addiction

NEW YORK (AP) — Former “Sopranos” actor Lillo Brancato Jr. says after spending about eight years in prison in New York, he’s trying to help young people avoid making the mistakes he did that led to his drug addiction.

The 37-year-old says his last high was in prison, in 2006. He was paroled in December after serving time for his role in a 2005 Bronx burglary during which an off-duty police officer was killed.

Brancato was acquitted of murder in the officer’s death but convicted of attempted burglary. An accomplice was convicted of firing the fatal bullet.

Matt Stein is a season-credentialed media member covering the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also assisting with coverage of USF Athletics. He attended the University of Tampa and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Sport Management.