File photo of the FBI announcing the capture of James “Whitey” Bulger. (credit: Getty Images)
BOSTON (AP) — A federal prosecutor has told a Massachusetts judge that any immunity agreement reputed gangster James “Whitey” Bulger claims he had with the government would be “void as a matter of law” if it included murder.
Bulger’s lawyer argued that only jurors, not a judge, should be allowed to decide if Bulger’s immunity claim is valid.
Both sides presented arguments Wednesday to the judge scheduled to preside at Bulger’s trial in June.
The former Winter Hill Gang leader is accused of participating in 19 murders.
He claims a federal prosecutor gave him immunity for crimes while he was providing the FBI information on local leaders of his gang’s main rivals, the Mafia.
Federal prosecutors asked a judge to decide the issue before trial.
The judge didn’t indicate when he would rule.
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