Disgraced former FBI agent John Morris spent a second day in the witness stand Friday, facing withering cross examination by Hank Brennan, a defense lawyer for James "Whitey" Bulger.
Morris, 68, seemed nervous, often leaning in, cupping his ear, and asking for questions to be repeated or reworded.
"I've been gone a long time," he told the clear-spoken Brennan. "I don't always understand your accent."
Much of the testimony focused on whether Morris had approved reports submitted by former FBI agent John Connolly that falsely identified Bulger as the source of information used agains other crime figures.
And while Morris often disputed Brennan's version of events, Morris spent much of the morning admitting to lying, approving false reports, accepting bribes, heavy drinking, and making routine social calls with Bulger and his criminal associates.
"I suspect I was compromised after accepting the bottle of wine, certainly after accepting the $1,000," Morris admitted.
Even when recounting his cooperation with the government and admitting his crimes, Morris had to admit he held back one instance of taking a bribe.
Morris admitted having a nickname, 'Vino,' and having to be driven home by members of organized crime on at least one occasion.
Brennan often used Morris' answers as the basis for sharp retorts, as he did with the wine reference. And while the prosecution objected to many of the attacks, the jury heard them.
"You know this cost a citizen his life, don't you Mr. Morris?" Brennan asked, referring to the murder of Brian Halloran. "How much did that bottle of wine cost?"
Bulger henchman Kevin Weeks is expected to testify on Monday.
