How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known simply as RICO, would be used in nearly every major prosecution against the Mafia during the 1980's. (1.4.9)
During the '60s and '70s, the FBI makes taking down the Mafia their number one priority. RICO is a big part of that: It allows them to put pretty much any national-level crime boss in prison for a long time. That's a useful tool when you're up against such a finely-tuned and tight-knit criminal organization as La Cosa Nostra (another term for the Mafia).
Quote #2
Connolly said later that O'Sullivan's intervention provided a new layer of protective veneer to the FBI's deal. (1.5.82)
Bulger is signed on as an informant to help bring the Mafia to justice, but he ends up sparking quite a bit of injustice himself. What's more, he reveals many FBI agents, like Connolly, Morris, and O'Sullivan, to be more concerned with good press than actually doing the right thing.
Quote #3
From the beginning the agents did the best they could to cover up for Bulger and Flemmi as their misdeeds tumbled off the tapes in 1981. (2.8.33)
Connolly is so convinced that Bulger and Flemmi will help the FBI take down the Mafia that he's willing to do whatever it takes to keep them out of jail. Theft? No biggie. Racketeering? Chump change. Assault and murder? Not Connolly's problem. A real moral stalwart, right here.