Jury Swats Ex-Prosecutor Seeking 'Sopranos' Consulting Fees
A former prosecutor and judge who contended he is owed consulting fees for assisting the producer of the Sopranos television show has lost his lawsuit.
A jury ruled against Robert Baer yesterday after deliberating about 80 minutes, “slightly longer than a Sopranos episode,” notes the New York Post. Baer says he helped the HBO show’s writer and producer, David Chase, by introducing him to police and prosecutors who were familiar with organized crime. He also says he took Chase on a tour of haunts such as the strip club that became part of the TV show.
The original suit had sought as much as half the profits from the series, but it was dismissed because it was filed after the statute of limitations had run, the New York Times reports. The new suit sought compensation for the three days of introductions and some phone conversations.
Baer plans to continue practicing law and to pursue a doctorate in history, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports.
Chase appeared jubilant after the verdict. “This was like a fly buzzing in my bathroom for seven years, and we finally swatted it,” he said. “I would say to friends of the show, I hope you liked the ending.”
