Milton Attorney Discusses Capture of James "Whitey" Bulger

The of alleged mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger, 81, in Santa Monica, Calif. on Wednesday has quickly become a major topic of conversation, especially for those in the Boston area.

In Milton, those touched by Bulger’s actions like , whose sister Debra was killed three decades ago, are beginning to weigh in on the arrest.

Others are gravitating to the story because of Bulger’s connection to the area.

“Like a lot of people there’s an interest in it because of the area we’re from,” said Milton Attorney Robert Jubinville, who worked as a State Police officer in the 1970s before serving as a criminal defense attorney for the past 32 years.

Senator Brian A. Joyce told on Friday that Bulger’s story seems like fiction.

“It sure is an amazing story," Joyce said. "Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. In any case, I hope that his capture brings some comfort to his victims’ families.”

After a 16-year FBI investigation, Bulger will face charges related to over 19 murders that occurred in the 1970s and '80s. He is also charged with extortion, racketeering and money laundering among other things.

One of the major discussion points since Wednesday’s arrest is how Bulger was caught. While reports out of Santa Monica are crediting an for Bulger’s capture, Jubinville surmises the announcements may have been a cover for a more substantial tip.

While theories about Bulger’s time on the lam and eventual arrest continue to swirl, Jubinville says the important thing is he was caught.

“He’s in custody and he’s not going to get out,” said Jubinville.

Now that the alleged mobster is in custody, his journey through the judicial system is on Jubinville’s mind.

Jubinville believes Bulger doesn’t have enough information to share to garner a plea deal, due in part to the many civil cases that have come out over the years. Catherine Greig, Bulger’s girlfriend who was arrested with him, may have enough information to catch a break from the government, Jubinville guesses.

Greig, 61, was living with Bulger in California. She faces at least one charge of harboring a fugitive.

While there are plenty of steps before Bulger would face trial, Jubinville said the case against him would be primarily built on eyewitness accounts. Jubinville said Bulger’s defense, which may be court appointed, would build a case on attacking those witnesses who are cooperating with the government for their own benefit.

With the number of witnesses and alleged crimes, Jubinville said the case would be a tough one to defend.

“I think it’s going to be a very difficult case for Bulger,” said Jubinville.

Whether or not Bulger goes to trial is still speculation at this point.

“If he pushes strongly for a trial it could be two, three, four months,” said Jubinville, adding it could also be a year or more before the case could go to trial.

Bulger to Massachusetts before a federal judge in Los Angeles on Thursday. He is scheduled to arrive in Boston today and will appear in federal court at 4 p.m.