Former FBI agent indicted for perjury during Bulger trial

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Federal prosecutors have charged former FBI agent Robert Fitzpatrick with perjury and obstruction of justice in an indictment that alleges he lied during the 2013 trial of South Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger.

“During the course of that testimony, Fitzpatrick made false material declarations designed to aid Bulger’s defense,” the indictment states. “Fitzpatrick also made false material declarations to enhance his own credibility as a former FBI official by making false claims about his professional accomplishments as an FBI agent.”

Bulger was indicted in 1999 for racketeering and related crimes including 19 murders, many of which occurred while he acted as an informant for the FBI from 1975 to 1990. He ultimately was convicted of 31 of 32 counts.

Fitzpatrick – who also has testified at civil wrongful death trials, gave an interview to “60 Minutes” and co-authored a book – worked in the Boston office of the FBI from 1980 to 1986. The indictment alleges that he “has falsely held himself out as a whistleblower who tried to end the FBI’s relationship with Bulger.” Fitzpatrick also testified he was retaliated against for reporting corruption, while the indictment alleges he was demoted for falsifying a report.

The indictment also alleges that Fitzpatrick lied about arresting mob boss Jerry Angiulo and being the first to discover the rifle used to kill Martin Luther King Jr.

“Mr. Fitzpatrick adamantly maintains his innocence and looks forward to challenging the government’s accusations as soon as possible,” Fitzpatrick’s lawyer, Robert M. Goldstein of Boston, said.