Prosecutors: Bulger Claims He Returned to Boston Several Times

When James "Whitey" was brought to Boston last week, it was hyped as the return of the alleged crime boss after a 16-year hiatus from the Hub.

But a court document filed Thursday suggests otherwise.

While en route to Boston from California after his arrest last week, Bulger told an FBI agent he traveled in disguise to Boston on several occasions while “armed to the teeth” because he “had to take care of some unfinished business,” according to the filing, written by U.S. Attorney Brian Kelly of the public corruption unit.

Bulger refused to elaborate on when the trips were made, or what business he was alluding to, the filing said.

Bulger, who faces a litany of charges including racketeering, money laundering, extortion and possession of machine guns, has requested to have a court-appointed attorney. Kelly's filing argues against that.

Prosecutors demand Bulger's brothers, John and politican William, submit affidavits before the court decides whether to grant "taxpayer funded counsel," the filing said.

When agents raided Bulger's Santa Monica apartment last week, they found $822,198, much of in bands of 100-dollar bills hidden in a wall, Kelly wrote.

Bulger has a history of stashing money away and has no fear of facing a perjury charge, Kelly wrote.

"James Bulger stands accused of an avalanche of serious charges," the filing said. "Surely the possibility of being prosecuted for perjury if he files a false financial affidavit in this case is of no concern to him - he has every incentive to lie and stick the taxpayers with the bill for his defense."

Bulger: I Went to Vegas – and Won

Along with his incognito trips to Boston, Bulger also told authorities he regularly went to Tijuana to buy prescription drugs and went to Las Vegas to gamble.

"Bulger acknowledged visiting Las Vegas on numerous occasions to play the slots and claimed he won more than he lost," Kelly wrote.