DeCologero Sentenced in Bulger Murder Case

Paul J. DeCologero, an inmate in West Virginia, has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for his involvement in the 2018 killing of notorious Boston gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger. DeCologero, who pleaded guilty to an assault charge, was accused of serving as a lookout while another inmate, Fotios 'Freddy' Geas, allegedly bludgeoned Bulger to death using a lock attached to a belt. The Justice Department has decided not to seek the death penalty for Geas, who faces a hearing on September 6 for murder and conspiracy charges. Another inmate, Sean McKinnon, who also acted as a lookout, was sentenced to time served for lying to federal agents. The case has drawn criticism over Bulger's transfer to USP Hazelton, where he was placed in the general population despite being a known FBI informant. DeCologero's plea agreement, which remains sealed, suggests he did not physically participate in the assault but was complicit in the conspiracy.