Whitey Bulger and Catherine Greig back in Boston
In one of the biggest days in Boston crime history, alleged mobster James “Whitey” Bulger and his girlfriend Catherine Greig made their initial appearances in Boston’s federal courthouse yesterday.
After a tumultuous hour which I will not go into in detail, I miraculously managed to make it into Courtroom 10 on the fifth floor just in time for the court proceedings, which began at about 4:15. Standing in the doorway, I watched Whitey, and later Catherine, as they answered questions from magistrate judges and their lawyers briefly argued.
Whitey, wearing a white sweatshirt and jeans, looked like a typical 81-year-old man. He had white, balding hair, glasses, and a beard, and he answered Magistrate Judge Marianne Bowler’s questions softly and matter-of-factly. He replied, “Yes, your honor,” when asked if he understood his right against self-incrimination and responded similarly when advised of his other rights. Although he did not ask for bail, prosecutors briefly explained why they believe he is a flight risk. Represented by attorney Peter Krupp for today’s proceedings, Bulger was asked whether he would be able to afford his own lawyer. “I could if you give me my money back,” he replied.
Court recessed and Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal replaced Bowler for Catherine Greig’s arraignment. Like Bulger, Greig entered through a door in the back of the courtroom, handcuffed and wearing a very light pink sweatshirt and black pants. Sixty years old, she had short white hair and spoke in a barely audible voice. She was advised of the same rights as Bulger, and then also asked if she wanted to waive a probable cause hearing, which she is entitled to because she was arrested on a complaint (of harboring a fugitive) instead of indicted by a grand jury. She agreed to waive it.
At 4:45 court was adjourned. Whitey and Catherine will enter pleas at their arraignments this week, which are separate from today’s initial appearances.
Outside the courthouse were more reporters, photographers, cameras, and news trucks than I have ever seen in one place before. They formed a mob outside the courthouse doors, waiting for anyone notable to some out, and set up white tents in the rain.