Feds Dropping Earlier Bulger Case For Stronger One

New case involves 19 murders instead of racketeering
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 28, 2011 12:05 PM CDT
Feds Dropping Earlier Bulger Case For Stronger One
This booking photograph, obtained by WBUR 90.9 - NPR Radio Boston, shows Boston mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger.   ((AP Photo/WBUR 90.9))

Federal prosecutors have moved to drop a 1994 racketeering indictment against mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger. Prosecutors in Boston filed the electronic notice today that they're dismissing the indictment charging Bulger with extortion, loan sharking, witness tampering, and conspiracy.

In the notice, a US attorney says prosecutors consider a later 1999 indictment charging Bulger with 19 murders the stronger case. He faces life in prison on those charges. Bulger fled just before the indictment was handed up in early 1995. He was captured last week after 16 years on the lam. (Click to read more about Bulger's recent arrest.)

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