Mobster's interview could be made public

<br>(Washington-AP) -- The death of a murder defendant in Tulsa could clear the way for the release of a transcript that should shed light on the FBI's use of underworld figures as informants. <br><br>The

Wednesday, February 11th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- The death of a murder defendant in Tulsa could clear the way for the release of a transcript that should shed light on the FBI's use of underworld figures as informants.

The House Government Reform Committee has been investigating the FBI's cozy relationship with its mob informants.

Until now, the panel has been unable to release a staff interview with ``Cadillac Frank'' Salemme, a former member of Boston's Winter Hill Gang. Prosecutors had asked that the transcript be kept secret so it wouldn't hurt their case against former Boston FBI agent Paul Rico [pictured].

Rico had been facing trial in the 1981 murder of an Oklahoma businessman, but died last month.

His death prompted federal authorities to give the committee the green light to release the transcript.