Alleged drug dealer testifies at Brancato trial

The alleged former drug dealer for Lillo Brancato Jr. appeared in court Friday, where he testified against the actor accused in the killing of Officer Daniel Enchautegui. Joseph Borelli, a 53-year-old

News 12 Staff

Dec 6, 2008, 1:06 AM

Updated 5,712 days ago

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The alleged former drug dealer for Lillo Brancato Jr. appeared in court Friday, where he testified against the actor accused in the killing of Officer Daniel Enchautegui.
Joseph Borelli, a 53-year-old federal convict, says Brancato stopped by his mother's Bronx home to buy drugs in December 2005. Borelli says that night he told Brancato he didn't have anything and to come back. He says the actor returned moments later with Steven Armento.
Borelli says he chased Armento away when he saw the man had a gun.
The defense says Borelli fabricated his story to reduce his sentence and argues Brancato had no idea Armento was carrying the weapon. However, Borelli says the actor was aware his cohort was armed and says he saw the two leave in a black car.
During cross examination though, Borelli revealed he is nearsighted and had difficulty seeing exactly who was in the vehicle.
Brancato faces a second-degree murder charge in the killing of Enchautegui. Brancato's co-defendant, Armento, was convicted of first-degree murder on Oct. 30 and later sentenced to life in prison without parole.


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