Fugitive mobster sighted

Waterbury Republican-American ^ | 01/02/04 | Associated Press

[Holly_P]

BOSTON — The FBI said Thursday it has confirmed a sighting of fugitive mobster James "Whitey" Bulger that occurred in early 2003, but would not say where or exactly when he was seen.

The information was released days before the ninth anniversary of the disappearance of Bulger, a former FBI informant now on the bureau's Ten Most Wanted List.

Bulger, 74, disappeared from the Boston area on Jan. 5, 1995, just before his indictment on charges of racketeering, extortion and drug trafficking. Bulger, leader of Boston's Winter Hill Gang, is accused of involvement in 21 homicides.

The agency received 160 leads on Bulger's location — including the most recent one — following a previous confirmed sighting in London in September 2002.

Investigators believe Bulger is traveling with his longtime companion, 52-year-old Catherine Greig, and that the two are in good health.

The FBI is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to Bulger's arrest, and a task force has been established to search for him.

Bulger's brother John was convicted of perjury in April for withholding information about communicating with his fugitive brother, assisting him in paying for a safety deposit box and obtaining a false driver's license for him.

Another brother, William Bulger, served as state Senate president for 17 years and later as University of Massachusetts president for more than seven years. He was forced out in August by Gov. Mitt Romney, who said he hadn't done enough to assist authorities in the search for his fugitive brother.

[ClearCase_guy]

"Fugitive Mobster sighted" -- 'bout a year ago. Don't know where. Don't know when. But it's NEWS! NEWS I tell you!

[Holly_P]

No, it's Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society

[Diogenesis]

Somerville homies would dispute the claim that Winter Hill is in Boston.

[skip2myloo]

"The FBI said Thursday it has confirmed a sighting of fugitive mobster James "Whitey" Bulger that occurred in early 2003, but would not say where or exactly when he was seen.'

But, we're asking for help from the public to find him.

Duh !!

There's a needle lost in a haystack -- but it's a secret which haystack.

These kinds of comments from law enforcement are becoming increasingly common and they scare the jeepers outta me because it shows an increasing disdain by the government for the people.

[monocle]

He disappeared during the first Clinton administration and still has not been found. Meanwhile the Democrats running for their presidential nomination are complaining that after only a little more than two years bin Laden hasn't been captured in the unfriendly environment of Islamic territories.

[angkor]

Anytime I see a headline with something like "Fugitive Mobster Sighted" I immediately assume its about Whitey, even before reading the story.

He must be the only fugitive Mobster out on the run these days.

[DoctorMichael]

News from Kennedyland!

[FreePaul]

I suspect that the FBI or at least some in the FBI are actively helping Mr. Bulger stay "hidden." They were responsible for a lot of his criminal activities and can't afford the public exposure.

[angkor]

disdain by the government for the people.

With anything concerning Whitey, I'd expect the FBI to be a bit embarrassed and less than forthcoming.

[skip2myloo]

Yes, given the opportunity, I suspect Mr. Bulger would have a lot to say about his longterm relationship with the FBI.

If he survives his ultimate "capture," we could expect some revelations beyond our wildest imaginations.

Like the old west, I'm sure he's wanted "Dead or Alive," (preferably dead).