James “Whitey” Bulger’s longtime female companion pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal crimes including hiding the alleged murderer and gangster from authorities for 16 years.
Catherine Greig, 60, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to harbor a fugitive, conspiracy to commit identity fraud and identity fraud during a hearing in federal court in South Boston. She could face up to 15 years in prison.
Dressed in a blue prison shirt and pants, Greig stood and said “guilty” when asked how she would plead to the charges.
Family members briefed on the plea agreement by the U.S. attorney’s office said they expected her to get about three years in prison and that she would not be asked to testify by prosecutors who are preparing to go to trial later this year in Bulger’s case.
However, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Carmen Ortiz said that Greig could still be called to testify.
“There was no deal. Certainly no sweetheart deal,” Ortiz said. “From the government’s standpoint, Catherine Greig is no victim.”
Greig briefly broke down during the hearing when the judge asked her about any mental health issues. She began to cry when she said she sought mental health treatment because of a family member’s suicide in 1984.
That garnered no sympathy from the family members of Bulger’s alleged murder victims who were in court for Greig’s hearing.
“She’s cold. She’s a monster,” said Steven Davis, whose sister, Debra, was allegedly killed by Bulger. “She doesn’t deserve a break.”
Greig will be sentenced June 12. Bulger’s trial is slated to start in November.
