Prosecutors Drop Other Charges Against Bulger to Pursue Murder Convictions

Federal prosecutors have decided to drop 24 charges against James "Whitey" Bulger so they can focus on murder charges that could put him away for life if convicted.

The list of dropped charges includes multiple counts of extortion, racketeering and threats, according to court records.

Along with carrying a longer sentence, the murder cases against Bulger are stronger, U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz wrote in the call to dismiss charges.

"Factually, the evidence in the RICO Murder Case is very strong and readily available to the government," Ortiz wrote. "By contrast, the evidence in this case has become weaker during the period of the defendant’s flight."

The dropped charges stem from a 1994 case against Bulger and others involved in the Boston organized crime scene. The remaining charges come from a 1999 case, prosecutors said.

Bringing justice for victims' families also moves the murder cases to the forefront, Ortiz wrote.

"The 19 families of murder victims have been denied justice for many years because the defendant has successfully eluded law enforcement apprehension," the filing said. "The United States Attorney is committed to seeing that this defendant, who is now 81 years old, is called to account as soon as possible for the crimes affecting those families."

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly called "RICO law," allows for those at the top of organized crime syndicates to be tried for crimes they ordered others to commit.

The decision may impact judicial proceedings moving forward. Bulger's initial appearance in court was handled by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf, but he was assigned to the 1994 case. The 1999 case is handled by Judge Richard Stearns.

A hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. today.