Norwell Resident and Retired FBI Agent Releasing New Book

Norwell resident Richard E. Teahan, a retired Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is set to release his career memoir, Face to Face with Whitey Bulger, providing a firsthand account of the investigation and capture of one of the most notorious fugitives in U.S. history.

“Whitey Bulger, the FBI’s second Most Wanted fugitive, sat across from me, his legs and hands in chains…Bulger spoke for hours to us about his life, his hatred of FBI agents, and his horrific murders.”

During his more than two decades with the FBI, Teahan led complex investigations, coordinated multi-agency task forces, and worked high-stakes criminal and fugitive cases throughout New England. His career placed him at the center of major law enforcement efforts, including the strategy and operational coordination surrounding the pursuit and eventual capture of James “Whitey” Bulger.

After retiring, Teahan recognized that much of the public’s understanding of these events has been shaped by secondhand narratives. Wanting to provide clarity and context, he chose to participate in writing Face to Face with Whitey Bulger to share a measured, factual perspective on exactly what the investigation required — how decisions were made in real time, how agencies collaborated, and what the work demanded of those involved.

Working with a professional co-writer, Teahan sought to present an accurate and responsible account without glamorizing crime or violence. His goal is not to revisit notoriety, but to offer readers transparency, nuance, and insight into the realities of long-term fugitive investigations and federal law enforcement operations.

Teahan’s perspective is shaped by decades of public service, leadership, and collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. A longtime resident of Norwell, he hopes his book contributes to a more informed understanding of both the strengths and limitations of law enforcement, and the complexity behind cases that often become legend.

Face to Face with Whitey Bulger will be available in early fall 2026.