Florida pursues transfer for Bulger in 1982 slaying case

MIAMI, Fla. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office tells FOX 25 the State of Florida has filed a detainer on convicted mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger.

As the spokesperson explained, a detainer is an official notice to the institution in which a prisoner is incarcerated, asking that they either hold the prisoner for the agency or notify the agency when the release of the prisoner is imminent. They note, however, that the 84-year-old must receive his federal prison designation before he can be transferred to Florida. As of Friday morning, Bulger was listed as "in transit" on the Bureau of Prison's website.

Miami-Dade County has a warrant out for Bulger on murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges in the 1982 murder of John Callahan. Bulger associate John Martorano claims he killed Callahan, who was one of his close friends, on the orders of Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi.

Martorano told investigators he lured Callahan to Florida and killed him because he was seen as knowing too much about the murder of Oklahoma businessman Roger Wheeler. There is currently no word on whether or not Oklahoma officials plan to pursue a case against Bulger in Wheeler's death.

Bulger was convicted and sentenced to two life sentences, plus 5 years in a racketeering and conspiracy indictment.  The 84-year-old has appealed his conviction.

Cox Media Group