Paul J. DeCologero, a member of the DeCologero Crew crime gang in Massachusetts, has received an additional sentence of over four years for his involvement in the fatal beating of infamous Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger. Originally charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, which could have resulted in a life sentence, DeCologero pleaded guilty to assault after prosecutors reduced the charges.
Before this new conviction, DeCologero, 50, was set to be released in December of 2026. However, his release date has now been extended to 2031 due to the additional sentence. Prosecutors initially claimed that DeCologero and another inmate, Fotios Geas, were responsible for beating Bulger to death shortly after his transfer to a correctional facility in West Virginia in 2018. However, during the recent hearing, prosecutors stated that DeCologero had only acted as a lookout and did not physically harm Bulger. It was revealed that Geas was the one who carried out the fatal beating, while DeCologero assisted in covering up the crime.
Another inmate, Sean McKinnon, also faced charges related to the attack. McKinnon was the first to be sentenced after pleading guilty to lying to federal agents, thereby avoiding additional prison time. He cooperated with prosecutors and was credited for the time he had already served since his indictment in 2022. Court records showed that all three inmates had agreed to plea deals and were assisting the government in preparing a report on the incident. However, DeCologero’s plea agreement stated that he did not provide any substantial assistance or information to the government.
The tragic death of Whitey Bulger, a prominent figure in Boston’s organized crime history, shocked many. Bulger, known for his ruthless tactics and criminal empire, had a long and violent reign over the city’s underworld. His murder in prison marked the end of an era in Boston’s criminal landscape. The sentencing of the individuals involved in his death brings a sense of closure to the case, although questions still remain about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
As the details of this case continue to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the dangerous and complex world of organized crime. The violent nature of Bulger’s death highlights the risks and consequences that come with involvement in such criminal activities. The justice system’s handling of this case underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, even in the most challenging and high-profile cases. The legacy of Whitey Bulger lives on, not only through his criminal exploits but also through the legal proceedings that followed his tragic demise.