Catherine Greig, Criminal Contempt, Massachusetts 2016

BOSTON – In a shocking turn of events, Catherine Greig, the longtime companion of convicted killer James “Whitey” Bulger, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for criminal contempt yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston. The harsh sentence comes as a result of Greig’s refusal to testify before a federal grand jury.

The investigation centered on whether others assisted Greig and Bulger during the 16 years they were fugitives from justice. According to authorities, Greig had a choice – to either assist or defy a Court Order. Her repeated defiance translated into criminal contempt, ultimately costing her more time in prison.

“First, her role in harboring James Bulger, a murderer, resulted in the victims’ families being forced to lie in wait for justice,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “Then Ms. Greig’s continued and deliberate effort to protect accomplices extended the injustice, and she will now face the consequences of that decision.”

Greig, 64, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV to 21 months in prison to be served consecutively to her current sentence, and three years of supervised release to be served concurrent to the term imposed during her prior conviction. In February 2016, she pleaded guilty to one count of criminal contempt.

Greig is currently serving an eight year sentence for her 2012 conviction of identity fraud and harboring James J. Bulger. The sentence imposed today will be served after she completes her initial eight year sentence.

U.S. Attorney Ortiz and FBI SAC Harold H. Shaw made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary B. Murrane of Ortiz’s Criminal Division.

Bulger, who was convicted in 2013 of numerous crimes, including murder, racketeering, and extortion, spent 16 years on the run with Greig. Her actions, according to authorities, adversely impacted the government’s efforts to seek answers for Bulger’s victims and hold accountable anyone who may have helped them during their time as fugitives.

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