Whitey Bulger Update: Ex-FBI agent testifies about meeting reputed mob boss

(AP) BOSTON - A former FBI agent who admitted taking $7,000 in payoffs from James "Whitey" Bulger has testified that his first meeting with Bulger was "more of a social meeting than business."

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John Morris began testifying Thursday. He was a supervisor of former FBI agent John Connolly, who was convicted of racketeering and second-degree murder for leaking information to Bulger's gang.

Morris, who has been given immunity, has admitted protecting Bulger from prosecution.

He testified that he first met Bulger in 1977. Morris said he, Connolly and Bulger met at Morris' home because Connolly "wanted Mr. Bulger to be comfortable."

The 83-year-old Bulger is accused of participating in 19 murders while he allegedly led the Winter Hill Gang. His lawyers deny the prosecution claim that he was a longtime FBI informant.

Complete coverage of the Whitey Bulger case on Crimesider