Fotios “Freddy” Geas, a former Mafia enforcer already serving a life sentence, was sentenced to an additional 25 years for the murder of James “Whitey” Bulger, a notorious New England crime boss after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and assault in connection with the 2018 killing inside a federal prison.

Geas, along with two other inmates, was charged with Bulger’s murder after a detailed investigation revealed their roles in the violent attack, and the additional sentence puts a fine point on his guilt, as the New York Post reports.

Brutal Attack on Bulger Detailed by Prosecutors

Bulger, who led an Irish mob in Boston during the 1970s and ’80s, was brutally beaten to death just hours after his transfer to USP Hazelton in West Virginia.

Prosecutors stated that Geas used a lock attached to a belt to repeatedly strike the 89-year-old Bulger, who had recently arrived from a Florida prison.

The prison transfer and lack of protection for Bulger raised significant concerns. Given his high-profile criminal history as an FBI informant and involvement in organized crime, Bulger's placement in the general population was highly criticized.

Inmates reportedly received advance notice of Bulger’s arrival at the facility, and Geas, along with accomplices, carried out the attack soon after.

Co-Defendants Receive Sentences for Their Roles

Two other inmates also faced charges related to the murder. Massachusetts gangster Paul DeCologero was sentenced to four additional years in federal prison for acting as a lookout during the attack. DeCologero, already serving a 25-year sentence for other crimes, pleaded guilty to the charge of assault.

Inmate Sean McKinnon, who had been incarcerated for stealing firearms, also played a role in the incident. He was charged with lying to FBI agents about Bulger’s death but received no additional prison time and was released after serving his sentence.

McKinnon had initially provided false information about the events surrounding Bulger's death, but prosecutors were able to uncover the truth during their investigation.

Geas and DeCologero Identified as Suspects in 2018

Although Geas and DeCologero were identified early on as suspects in Bulger’s killing, they were not charged until 2022. Bulger’s murder, which shocked the nation, prompted widespread criticism of the prison system and how high-risk inmates like Bulger were handled.

Geas, a long-time enforcer for organized crime, has been behind bars since 2011. His criminal record includes the 2003 murder of Genovese crime boss Adolfo “Big Al” Bruno, for which he was already serving a life sentence.

Whitey Bulger’s Criminal History and Infamous Past

Before his death, Bulger was a prominent figure in the world of organized crime. As the head of an Irish mob in Boston, he ruled the city’s underworld for decades. However, his role as an FBI informant, providing valuable information on rival gangs, made him a controversial figure.

Bulger’s collaboration with law enforcement allowed him to operate his criminal enterprise largely unchecked, while his rivals were targeted by federal investigations.

In 1994, Bulger became a fugitive after receiving a tip from his FBI handler about an impending indictment. He remained on the run for 16 years, evading authorities until his capture in California in 2011 at the age of 81.

Bulger’s Conviction and Final Days

In 2013, Bulger was convicted on charges related to 11 killings, racketeering, and other crimes committed during his reign as a crime boss. His conviction brought an end to one of the most notorious crime sagas in American history. Bulger’s violent rise to power and eventual downfall fascinated the public, and his story was the subject of books, films, and documentaries.

Despite his advanced age, Bulger’s murder in prison underscored the dangers that even notorious criminals face behind bars. The decision to place him in the general population at USP Hazelton remains a point of controversy, as many believe Bulger’s fate could have been avoided with proper precautions.

Plea Deals and Legal Proceedings Conclude

In May of this year, plea deals for the three men involved in Bulger’s death were made public.

Geas, DeCologero, and McKinnon’s roles in the murder were laid out in court, and all three faced varying consequences for their involvement.

The sentencing marked the conclusion of a lengthy legal process, bringing a measure of closure to one of the most infamous prison killings in recent history.