Ex-friend Takes Stand To Testify Against Bulger

BOSTON (AP) — A onetime friend and confidant of James "Whitey" Bulger has taken the witness stand at Bulger's racketeering trial.

Kevin Weeks says he was once one of Bulger's partners in Boston's Winter Hill Gang. He later became a government witness and eventually led authorities to the bodies of people who were allegedly killed by Bulger and the gang.

Weeks testified that when he first went to work for Bulger in the 1970s, the two would ride around South Boston to pick up envelopes of cash from local bookmakers. He also said "sometimes I'd beat somebody up."

Weeks has testified previously that he was present for several killings committed by Bulger and other gang members.

The 83-year-old Bulger is accused of playing a role in 19 killings. He has pleaded not guilty.