Clarksburg, West Virginia – In a dramatic turn of events, the man accused of playing a role in the prison slaying of notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger will not face additional time behind bars after pleading guilty to lying to federal agents. Sean McKinnon, the alleged lookout during Bulger’s killing at a troubled West Virginia prison in 2018, was embraced by his attorneys as the judge ruled in favor of granting him credit for 22 months served in custody.
McKinnon, along with two other inmates, Fotios “Freddy” Geas and Paul J. DeCologero, faced accusations related to Bulger’s brutal demise upon his transfer to the prison. Plea deals for all three were recently disclosed, with upcoming sentencing hearings scheduled for August and September.
Released from USP Hazelton in 2022 after serving time for stealing firearms, McKinnon found himself back in legal trouble when indicted shortly after completing his federal supervised release. While a charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder was dropped, McKinnon still faced a potential five-year prison sentence and hefty fine for providing false information to FBI agents.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower revealed that Geas and DeCologero spent crucial minutes in Bulger’s cell, allegedly planning and executing the fatal assault while McKinnon remained in a common area of the prison. Despite McKinnon’s denial of knowledge regarding Bulger’s fate, prosecutors argued that his deception did not go unnoticed or uninformed.
Further revelations shed light on DeCologero and Geas’ alleged motives, with DeCologero reportedly branding Bulger as a “snitch” and orchestrating the fatal attack once the mobster joined their unit. This targeted violence against Bulger, a former FBI informant, reveals the deep-seated animosity and criminal undertakings that ultimately led to his demise.
Bulger’s transfer from a Florida facility to USP Hazelton quickly spiraled into tragedy, sparking criticism over lapses in security protocols and inmate placement. Amidst findings of systemic failures in the Bureau of Prisons, questions arise about the safety and oversight measures within correctional facilities, especially when dealing with high-profile inmates and volatile environments.
As the legal saga surrounding Bulger’s killing continues to unfold, the complexities of organized crime, law enforcement collaboration, and prison dynamics come to light. The intricacies of McKinnon’s role, alongside the calculated actions of Geas and DeCologero, reflect a dark chapter in the history of crime and punishment within the American justice system.