Bulger Asks For Public Defender In Boston

The longtime boss of the Boston mob, James "Whitey" Bulger, has returned home to South Boston as a prisoner of the U.S. government.

Bulger appeared at the federal courthouse in South Boston Friday afternoon. His girlfriend Catherine Greig appeared separately. Both of them remain in custody.

Buger asked that a public defender be appointed to represent him, but the government objected, citing the $800,000 seized from his Southern California apartment. The government also pointed out that they had information that "Whitey" Bulger's brother had stated that he would help out with bail.

At the second hearing, Magistrate Judge Marianne Bowler asked Bulger if he could pay for an attorney.

“I could, if you give me my money,” he replied in his unmistakable Boston accent, prompting a smile from his brother, William, but it did not amuse the government attorneys.

No pleas were entered during the appearance of the two defendants as the issue of legal counsel is decided.

William Bulger did not answer any of the questions put to him outside the federal courthouse. Additional hearings are scheduled for early next week.