Stuff You Should KnowiHeartPodcastsWhite Boy Rick
In short
This podcast delves into the extraordinary and tragic true story of Richard Wershe Jr., known as 'White Boy Rick.' It chronicles his journey from a 14-year-old FBI informant in 1980s Detroit, deeply embedded in the city's burgeoning crack cocaine scene and its associated corruption, to his eventual life sentence under harsh drug laws. The narrative highlights the FBI's controversial use of a minor, the deep-seated corruption within Detroit's government and police force, and Rick's decades-long fight for freedom despite his cooperation with federal authorities.
Key takeaways
- Richard Wershe Jr. became an FBI informant at the age of 14, infiltrating Detroit's drug scene during the 1980s crack epidemic.
- His involvement exposed deep corruption within the Detroit Police Department and City Hall, including connections between drug lords and the mayor's family.
- Despite his cooperation with the FBI, Rick was sentenced to life in prison without parole under Michigan's 650-lifer law, a sentence that was upheld for decades due to continued opposition from those he helped expose.
- Rick's story highlights the severe impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws and the complex ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of juvenile informants.
- He was eventually released in 2020 after serving 32 years, becoming the longest-serving non-violent juvenile offender in Michigan history.
Chapters
Introduction to White Boy Rick
The hosts introduce the topic of White Boy Rick, a Detroit teenager who became an FBI informant at 14, highlighting the true and tragic nature of his story amidst the 1980s crack epidemic and harsh drug laws.
Early Life and FBI Recruitment
Rick Wershe Jr. grew up on the East Side of Detroit, a city in decline. His father, a gun dealer, had connections with the FBI, which led to Rick, at age 14, being recruited as an informant due to his street knowledge.
Infiltrating the Curry Gang
Rick became close with Boo Curry, the younger brother of the notorious Curry drug kingpins, Johnny and Leo. This connection was crucial as the Curry family was linked to Detroit's mayor, Coleman Young, through his niece, Cathy Volsan.
The FBI's Unorthodox Methods
The FBI paid Rick off-the-books, allowing him to live a lavish lifestyle with expensive cars and jewelry, which further embedded him in the drug scene. He was even shot in the stomach but was encouraged by the FBI to use it for street cred.
Escalating Stakes and Corruption
Rick's information led to significant drug busts. The murder of 13-year-old Damian Lucas by the Curry gang revealed deep corruption within the Detroit Police Department and City Hall, with officials, including Commander Gil Hill, covering up crimes.
FBI Cuts Ties and Rick's Rise as a Dealer
The FBI cut ties with Rick just before his 16th birthday, fearing exposure. Rick, already accustomed to the drug lifestyle, became a major cocaine wholesaler, supplying large quantities to dealers, including the Curry gang.
Arrest and the 650-Lifer Law
Rick was arrested at 17 with 8 kilos of cocaine and cash. Under Michigan's harsh 650-lifer law, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole, despite being a juvenile and having previously worked for the FBI.
Operation Backbone and Continued Incarceration
While in prison, Rick again worked with the FBI on 'Operation Backbone,' helping to expose widespread corruption within the Detroit Police Department. Despite his cooperation, he was repeatedly denied parole, largely due to opposition from corrupt officials he helped expose.
Release and Aftermath
After 32 years, Rick was finally granted parole in 2017, becoming the longest-serving non-violent juvenile offender in Michigan history. He was later released from a Florida prison in 2020 after serving time for a separate car theft ring conviction.
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Summary by InboxHiive. Not affiliated with Stuff You Should Know. Written with AI from the episode audio; check the episode for exact quotes.