BOSTON (WHDH) — Lawyers for both sides argued over whether a judge should allow certain evidence in reputed mobster James “Whitey” Bulger’s racketeering trial.
Authorities seized the evidence from the Santa Monica, Calif. Home where Bulger was captured after years on the run.
The FBI seized $822,000 cash and 30 weapons from the apartment. Some of the weapons were loaded, some hidden in walls, and others easily accessible. The government says it is proof Bulger didn’t want to go down without a fight and the evidence is proof of consciousness of guilt, which is legally admissible.
Bulger claims the evidence isn’t important to the government’s case and would taint him with the jury unnecessarily.
Defense attorney J.W. Carney told the judge, “The prejudice of that evidence is enormous…there is simply no reason to allow that evidence in this trial at this time.”
Prosecutor Zachary Hafer said the guns and cash show proceeds from a life of crime because “There’s no evidence Bulger has held a legitimate job in his life.”
Judge Denise Casper is going to take some time to make a decision on this matter.