The fugitive who inspired the Oscar-winning movie The Departed, James “Whitey” Bulger, has been captured after 16 years on the run.
PHOTOS: Memorable Oscar moments
Bulger — who was portrayed by Jack Nicholson in the 2006 film — will face a federal judge in Los Angeles Thursday on murder, conspiracy to commit murder, narcotics distribution, extortion and money laundering charges.
The 81-year-old been on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List with a $2 million reward in connection with 19 murders.
PHOTOS: Hollywood’s biggest controversies
The FBI arrested him and his girlfriend, 60, at Santa Monica apartment building The Princess Eugenia Wednesday night.
The FBI tracked him down after ramping up publicity on its investigation, spokesperson Steven Martinez told the Associated Press.
Bulger’s girlfriend, Catherine Greig, could be charged with harboring a fugitive in court Thursday.
Bulger allegedly headed up Boston’s Winter Hill Gang according to the FBI, where he was a part of “numerous murders committed from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s in connection with his leadership of an organized crime group that allegedly controlled extortion, drug deals, and other illegal activities.”
Bulger was a one-time FBI informant who disappeared in January 1995 after hearing he would be indicted in the crimes.
