Bulger Told FBI He Visited Boston and Vegas While Living in Santa Monica, Prosecutor Says

When left Santa Monica for Massachusetts last week, it was hyped as the return of the alleged crime boss after a 16 year hiatus from Boston.

But a court document filed Thursday suggests otherwise.

While en route to after his arrest, Bulger told an FBI agent that he traveled in disguise to Boston on several occasions from Santa Monica while “armed to the teeth” because he “had to take care of some unfinished business,” according to the filing written by U.S. Attorney Brian Kelly of the Public Corruption Unit.

Bulger refused to elaborate on when the trips were made, or what business he was referring to, the filing stated.

Bulger, who faces 19 counts of murder and various other charges, has requested a court-appointed attorney. Kelly's filing argues against this.

Prosecutors have demanded that Bulger's brothers, John and , submit affidavits before the court decides whether to grant "taxpayer-funded counsel."

When agents raided Bulger’s apartment at the, they found $822,198 in cash, most of which were in bands of $100 bills and hidden in a wall, Kelly wrote.

Bulger has a history of stashing money away and has no fear of facing a perjury charge, Kelly wrote.

"James Bulger stands accused of an avalanche of serious charges," the filing stated. " prosecuted for perjury if he files a false financial affidavit in this case is of no concern to him. He has every incentive to lie and stick the taxpayers with the bill for his defense."

Bulger: I Went to Vegas and Won

Along with his incognito trips to Boston, Bulger also told authorities that he regularly went to Tijuana to buy prescription drugs and to Las Vegas to gamble.

"Bulger acknowledged visiting Las Vegas on numerous occasions to play the slots and claimed he won more than he lost," Kelly wrote.

This article first appeared on South End, MA, Patch.