Mafia Hitman Sentenced to 25 Years for Role in James Bulger's Prison Murder

On September 5, an ex-mafioso, Fotios "Freddy" Geas, was sentenced to 25 years for the 2018 fatal beating of mob leader James "Whitey" Bulger, following a plea deal.

Plea Deal and Sentencing

Fotios "Freddy" Geas, a former member of the Genovese crime family, struck a plea deal with the prosecution after initially pleading not guilty to the charges against him. This unexpected turn of events led to a sentencing hearing where Geas admitted to his involvement in the brutal murder of Bulger. As a result of the plea deal, Geas received a 25-year prison sentence for his role in the crime, alongside the life sentence he is already serving for other violent offenses.

The Life and Crimes of James "Whitey" Bulger

James "Whitey" Bulger, a notorious figure in the world of organized crime, was 89 years old at the time of his death. He met his demise in 2018 shortly after being transferred to U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton in West Virginia. Bulger's criminal empire spanned across the 1970s and 1980s, where he held significant influence within the Boston mob. His life took a fateful turn when he became an FBI informant against a rival gang, a move that ultimately marked him for murder. Despite his cooperation with law enforcement, Bulger consistently denied having any ties with the federal agency.

A Relentless Criminal History

Bulger was serving two life sentences at the time of his death after being convicted in 2013 for a multitude of criminal activities, including the murders of 11 individuals. His dark legacy and the violent nature of his life made him a notorious figure in the annals of organized crime.

The Nature of the Crime

According to prosecutors, Geas ruthlessly assaulted Bulger to death using a metal lock attached to a belt, mere hours after the infamous crime boss arrived in West Virginia. This brutal act was allegedly motivated by a mix of Geas's affiliation with the Genovese crime family and a desire to eliminate a rival figure from the criminal underworld. Witnesses have described the scene of the crime as horrifying, with the assailant unleashing a brutal and unrelenting assault on the unsuspecting victim, ultimately leading to Bulger's untimely demise.

Co-Conspirators and Additional Penalties

Geas was not alone in his involvement in Bulger's murder. Another individual associated with the crime, Paul DeCologero, pleaded guilty to assault charges and received a four-year prison sentence. However, this meager penalty pales in comparison to the life sentence he is already serving for a separate, unrelated crime. Additionally, a third individual linked to Bulger's death, identified as Sean McKinnon, pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents. McKinnon had already served 22 months in prison following his indictment and did not face any additional time. He was subsequently transported back to Florida to continue his supervised release.

Legal Battles and Consequences

Bulger's family had previously filed a lawsuit against the FBI, alleging negligence in placing the targeted crime boss among the general prison population, instead of securing him in a more protected environment. The family's legal pursuit aimed to hold the FBI accountable for what they perceived as a gross oversight. However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a judge in January 2022, putting an end to this chapter of legal battles.

The sentence imposed on Geas serves as a somber reminder of the violent underbelly of organized crime and the lengths individuals are willing to go to in pursuit of power and dominance within illicit criminal enterprises. While the plea deal has resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for Geas, the complex web of organized crime and violence continues to cast a long shadow, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction and shattered lives.