Prosecutors refute Bulger immunity claim

BOSTON, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Federal prosecutors scoffed at claims accused New England mobster James "Whitey" Bulger was granted a license to kill by federal agents in the 1970s and 80s.

Since Bulger's lawyers made the sensational claim, prosecutors have maintained such an agreement between a known organized crime figure and the Justice Department would have been impossible. They turned over daily logs and file notes from former U.S. Attorney Jerimiah O'Sullivan, head of the New England Organized Crime Strike Force, who Bulger's lawyers said was one of the men who gave Bulger immunity from prosecution as an informant.

The Boston Herald reported Monday federal prosecutors have unearthed testimony before the House Government Affairs Committee during which O'Sullivan denies providing Bulger with immunity, but admits to failing to prosecute some criminal enterprises he was aware Bulger was responsible for running.