The Times They Are A Changing

After thirteen years, the FBI has doubled the reward money to $2 million for information leading to the capture of mob boss, James “Whitey” Bulger. After fleeing because of tip that the FBI were about to indicte him on federal racketeering charges, the head of Boston’s Winter Hill Gang fled.

The FBI announced the increase in reward money today, Bulger’s 79^th birthday. He is on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list after being charged in connection with 19 murders. The former FBI informant gave countless pieces of information to them regarding his rival gang, the New England Mob.

Although raised by hardworking, honest parents, Bulger was arrested at the age of 14 for larceny. Continuing on, he was arrested for assault and battery and armed robbery. A joined a street gang called the Shamrocks, indicating his Irish background. He was sent to a juvenile lock-up for these crimes as well as many more. After his release he joined the U.S. Air force only to end up in the brig. Although being arrested for being AWOL, he ended his military career with an honorable discharge.

After completing his military career he went back to his old ways and spent time in prison for armed robbery and high jacking. He had a short stint working as a janitor before leaving it behind and working as an enforcer for a south Boston crime boss. And so his career progressed. His last sighting was in London in 2002. There has also been an unconfirmed sighting in Italy in 2007, but it was confirmed false.