Local News

Boston FBI denies Bulger whereabouts were known

Posted: 06/24/11 at 10:45 pm

BOSTON --  The tipster who took down the FBI's most wanted mobster made the call directly to the FBI, not local authorities, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

The woman called from Iceland, where she is currently living. She spends her winters in Santa Monica - that's where she came across Bulger's girlfriend, Catherine Greig

She recognized the woman in the newly produced PSA about Greig and two days after the announcement hit the airwaves Bulger and Greig were captured.

"Maybe [the PSA] was a smokescreen to protect to the real tipster. Because that person may be in danger. Or perhaps Bulger himself is turning himself in," said one person who doubts the way Bulger was arrested.

Many on the streets of Southie - Where Bulger once ruled - have similar questions.

The Boston FBI office is denying it knew the whereabouts of James "Whitey" Bulger prior to the airing of public service announcements that led to his capture.

Special Agent-In-Charge Richard DesLauriers calls suggestions that Bulger's location was known before the media campaign "completely unfounded."

His statement was released on Friday as Bulger made his first court appearance in Boston.

The FBI launched a media campaign on Monday focusing on Bulger's girlfriend, Catherine Greig. The couple was arrested on Wednesday in Santa Monica, Calif.

(Copyright (c) 2011 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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