James 'Whitey' Bulger Makes Appearance in Federal Court

James "Whitey" Bulger made an initial appearance in federal court today and  assented to remain detained while he awaits official arraignment, which will probably happen sometime next week.

Bulger was escorted into the courtroom by three federal marshals. He was dressed in a white V-neck T-shirt, an open button-down white shirt, dark slacks and sneakers when he appeared before two federal judges this afternoon at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in South Boston.

Outside the courthouse, a large crowd of spectators and media outlets gathered, many hoping to catch a glimpse of the notorious alleged gangster as he left or entered the courthouse.

Inside, the courtroom in which Bulger made his appearance was filled with reporters, court officials and other interested people. Two other court rooms, set up to deal with the expected an overflow of people, also filled up, and courthouse officials ultimately sent people into the jury room.

On the Boston Harbor side of the courthouse, armed Coast Guard and Boston Police boats patrolled the waters nearest the building.

After the hearing, Bulger's brother, William Bulger, former president of the Massachusetts Senate, was surrounded by reporters as he walked toward his car.

The court proceedings today mainly dealt with reading charges brought against Bulger and initiating the process whereby he would find an attorney to represent him.

He first made an appearance minutes before 4 p.m. in front of Judge Leo Sorokin. The proceeding lasted no more than 15 minutes. He then had a second appearance, at about 4:14 p.m., in front of Judge Marianne Bowler.

Both judges read the charges brought against Bulger. Those include the following:

— Conspiracy under RICO (the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act)

— "Substantive" RICO count

— Violation of the Hobbs Act, which deals with extortion, robbery and interstate commerce violations

— Several counts of money laundering

— Possession of firearms in furtherance of violent crime

— Possession of machine guns

— Possession of unregistered machine guns

— Transfer and possession of machine guns

— Possession of machine guns with "obliterated" serial numbers

Appointing Bulger's attorney
While most of this afternoon's proceedings were a formality, one matter of substance was addressed: the question of whether Bulger was eligible to receive a court-appointed attorney or whether he could afford his own.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian Kelly argued that Bulger had the capacity to afford his own attorney. "He was found with over $800,000 cash," he said, adding, "We think he has access to family resources."

Kelly also said there were "30 guns found with the guy as well, so we certainly don't think this is his last cache."

Bulger, who made no comments during the proceedings other than to answer yes or no questions from the judges, did say, in a mumbled voice, that he didn't have money for a lawyer because federal authorities seized it.

Judge Leo Sorokin appointed attorney Peter Krupp to serve as Bulger's counsel until Bulger receives, through court appointment or by hire, another attorney

Remaining in detainment
On the issue of bail, proceedings did not progress far.

Kelly said, "We do believe [Bulger] is dangerous to the community" and that he is "a risk of flight."

Krupp, after consulting Bulger, said, "At this point we'll assent to the detention without waiving any rights."

Catherine Greig
Bulger's female companion for the past 16 years, Catherine Greig, also made a court appearance, before Judge Jennifer Boal. Greig was charged with harboring a fugitive.