How It All Goes Down
The Party's Over
- In 1998, the court officially begins its inquiry into whether the FBI's protection of Flemmi should exempt him and the other gangsters from prosecution.
- The hearing lasts for almost a year, and the witness list contain tons of characters we already know, like Nick Gianturco and Dennis Condon—though Jeremiah O'Sullivan is suspiciously absent.
- Theresa Stanley, broken-hearted by Bulger, testifies against her former boo.
- Similarly, Cadillac Frank is disgusted with Flemmi as he learns about how his so-called "friend" had betrayed him time and time again.
- Morris testifies in April, having "negotiated immunity" in exchange for his assistance (3.20.32). He's open about his own failings, but doesn't admit to offering immunity to Flemmi and Bulger.
- As his name continues popping up in court, Connolly turns to the press, shouting into every microphone he can see about how he's been framed.
- Of course, when he is called into court, he simply pleads the Fifth Amendment (the right to not incriminate oneself) and calls it a day.
- Because that's how an innocent person acts.
- When Flemmi is brought up to the stand, he often seems confused. He still can't understand why he's here: the FBI told him he was a cool dude.
- He does lie in court, however, claiming that Morris told him that he was about to be indicted back in 1995, when in fact it was Connolly who had spilled the beans.
- Connolly continues his full-court media press.
- While he doesn't deny his relationship with Bulger, he claims that everything was done above board, and ultimately benefitted the city.
- He even claims that he has nothing to hide—he'd gladly testify in court. And then, of course, when he's called to the stand, he pleads the Fifth until he can't think straight once again.
- The final ruling isn't revealed until 1999, just months after "the FBI announced that the fugitive Whitey Bulger was finally being added to its Ten Most Wanted List" (3.20.140).
- The ruling runs an incredible 661 pages. In it, Judge Wolf eviscerates the FBI for its conduct involved Bulger.
- In fact, more of the ruling is about Bulger than its nominal subject: racketeering crimes.
- Everyone is now exposed.
- There's just one thing keeping this from being a perfect, fairytale ending: Whitey Bulger is still on the run.