You might have heard of James “Whitey” Bulger. He was the alleged head of the Winter Hill Gang, also known as Boston’s chapter of La Costra Nostra. During his time as the mob boss, he is alleged to have played a part in the deaths of at least nineteen men. In 2011, after being on the lam in Santa Monica, California for over ten years, he was identified, extradited, and set for prosecution.
You probably haven’t heard of the Honorable Judge Richard G. Stearns. His long and distinguished legal career includes stops, and supervisory positions, in the United States Attorney’s Office. Though his office was not tasked with investigating Bulger, the defendant still argues for his recusal due to the appearance of bias.
Why? To understand that, you’ll need a bit more background on the Bulger case.