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In this episode of FBI Retired Case File Review, retired agent John Tamm reviews his tenure on the Boston Division’s Justic
e Task Force and the investigation and conviction of former FBI agent John Connolly, Jr. for racketeering, obstruction of justice, and bribery related to his handling of informants James “Whitey” Bulger and Stephen Flemmi.
Connolly was sentenced to ten years in federal prison. A Florida jury convicted Connolly of second-degree murder for the killing of businessman John Callahan by a mob associate of Bulger and Flemmi. He was sentenced to 40 years in state prison, but granted a medical release in 2021.
John Tamm served in the FBI for nearly 30 years. His initial career was spent in the Philadelphia Division tackling organized crime, labor racketeering, political corruption, civil rights, street gangs, and illegal drugs.
Later in his Bureau career, in addition to his assignment on the Justice Task Force in Boston, John Tamm served for a short period in the Atlantic City Resident Agency out of the Newark Division.
His last assignment before retiring was serving as an FBI liaison to the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9-11 Commission) and as a member of the professional staff of the Commission.
After retiring, he worked for government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton as a military, law enforcement and intelligence consultant. Currently, he is employed as a principal administrative officer of the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia.
John Tamm was previously interviewed on Episode 191: John Tamm – Frank Sheeran, The Irishman
Special Agent (Retired)
Q. John Tamm
1975 – 2004
“Connolly would intervene on their behalf and try to deflect investigations from Bulger and Flemi when he could.”—Retired Agent John Tamm
The following are links to articles about the investigation and conviction of former FBI agent John C0nnolly for obstruction of justice and
Boston Globe – 5/29/2002: Connolly Convicted
Boston Globe – 5/29/2002: Connolly Convicted Cont.
Boston Globe – 5/29/2002: Decision steps up push for FBI reform
Boston Magazine – 8/21/2008: The Martyrdom of John Connolly
CNN – 2/17/2021: James ‘Whitey’ Bulger’s former rogue FBI informant handler John Connolly granted conditional medical release from prison
Listen to these FBI Retired Case File Review related episodes:
282: Phil Torsney and Tommy MacDonald – Whitey Bulger Fugitive Hunt (Part 1)
283: Phil Torsney and Tommy MacDonald – Whitey Bulger Fugitive Hunt (Part 2)
088: Joe Wolfinger and Chris Kerr – Justice for Paul Rico
