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Judge In Bulger Case Expects Trial To Begin On Time

BOSTON (AP) — Prosecutors and defense lawyers for mobster James "Whitey" Bulger say the evidence-sharing they have argued over for months is now on track for his trial in November.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones.

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Bulger's lawyers have repeatedly complained that prosecutors have given them a mountain of disorganized documents they will have a difficult time evaluating before the trial.

But on Wednesday, attorney J.W. Carney Jr. told a judge that the defense is having ongoing discussions with prosecutors about the organization of documents and that the process is going smoothly.

Magistrate Judge Marianne Bowler said that going through the huge amount of evidence is an "enormous undertaking," but said the trial date of Nov. 5 remains firm.

Bulger, the former leader of the Winter Hill Gang, is charged with participating in 19 murders. After 16 years on the run, he was captured last year in Santa Monica, Calif., with his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig.

Greig has pleaded guilty to harboring Bulger and is scheduled to be sentenced June 12.

Her twin sister, Margaret McCusker, asked for a hearing Wednesday to fight the government's lien on her house.

Prosecutors have placed liens on Greig's Quincy home and on McCusker's South Boston home. They say Greig's assets could be seized to pay a fine as part of her sentence, including any hidden share she may have in McCusker's home.

McCusker said she is the only owner of the home.Bottom of Form

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Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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