Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi and James "Whitey" Bulger hadn’t seen each other in years – and their reunion Thursday wasn’t a happy one.
Flemmi, the former partner of James "Whitey" Bulger told jurors on Thursday that the two were FBI informants for more than a decade as they ran a feared gang in South Boston.
Flemmi took the stand for the first time on Thursday in Bulger's racketeering trial. He said they gave information to the FBI for about 15 years beginning in 1975.
The two traded withering stares as Flemmi took the stand and was sworn in. Then, prompted by federal prosecutor Fred Wyshak, Flemmi ripped his former colleague – calling him an “overbearing,” “forceful” personality who was definitely an FBI informant. That’s a charge Bulger denies.
Flemmi had barely started when court wrapped for the day – at which point he hurled an epithet at Bulger, who fired back with an inaudible response. Flemmi’s testimony will continue tomorrow.
Bulger , 83,is accused of participating in 19 killings during the 1970s and '80s. Flemmi, 79, pleaded guilty to 10 murders and agreed to testify against Bulger. He is serving a life sentence.
Anthony Cardinale, who has represented members of the Irish mob, discussed on Greater Boston Bulger's reunion in court with Flemmi:
