Attorneys for alleged mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger said the confidential information could boost their case. Credit: File photo
The lawyer for alleged mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger is asking the court to force government prosecutors to reveal the idenity of a confidential informant who has information favorable to Bulger’s defense.
Attorney J.W. Carney Jr. filed the motion late Monday afternoon, on the eve of a status hearing in federal court.
The motion centers around testimony given by former Bulger associate Kevin Weeks regarding their shares in a 1991 winning state lottery ticket worth about $14 million. Bulger’s forfeiture of those winnings are based on an affidavit by an FBI agent who cited two confidential informants.
Carney said in his court filing that he requested the identities of the two informants, but that prosecutors only gave him the identity of one on the basis that the person had already been named as a witness. Carney wants the other name because he said that person has information beneficial to Bulger’s defense by contradicting some of Weeks’ testimony.
Carney argued that contradicting Weeks’ anticipated testimony is crucial to Bulger’s defense.
“Kevin Weeks is a key witness for the government. He is a former associate of the defendant. He is purportedly a percipient witness to several of the alleged offenses that give rise to the instant indictment. His credibility, of lack thereof, will be a central issue at trial,” Carney wrote. “Any evidence that tends to shine an unfavorable light on his truthfulness is exculpatory and highly relevant.”
Bulger’s trial, which is scheduled for June, centers on his alleged involvement in 19 killings.
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
