Decision on Bulger's public defender postponed (AP)

BOSTON – Federal prosecutors have moved to drop a 1994 racketeering indictment against mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger.

Prosecutors in Boston filed the electronic notice Tuesday that they're dismissing the indictment charging Bulger with extortion, loan sharking, witness tampering and conspiracy.

In the notice, U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz says prosecutors consider a later 1999 indictment charging Bulger with 19 murders the stronger case. He faces life in prison on those charges.

Bulger fled just before the indictment was handed up in early 1995. He was captured last week after 16 years on the lam.