Richard Wershe Jr.
Richard Wershe Jr.
Richard Wershe Jr. is an American former drug trafficker and FBI informant known by the nickname “White Boy Rick.” Born in Detroit in 1969, he became widely known for working as a teenage informant in the 1980s and later being convicted in a drug case that led to a lengthy prison sentence. His life story later inspired books, documentaries, and the 2018 film *White Boy Rick*.
Early life
Richard Wershe Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1969. Sources identify him as a Detroit native who became involved in the city’s drug environment as a teenager.
FBI informant work
Wershe became a confidential informant for the FBI while still a minor, with sources describing him as the youngest known FBI informant at the time. Accounts say he provided information on drug activity in Detroit in the mid-1980s.
Criminal conviction and imprisonment
After his informant role ended, Wershe was arrested on drug charges and later received a life sentence under Michigan’s drug laws. He remained incarcerated for decades before his release in 2020.
Public attention and portrayals
Wershe’s case drew national attention because of the contrast between his youth, informant role, and long sentence. His life story was later adapted into books and the 2018 film *White Boy Rick*.
Key facts
- He was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1969.
- He became known as “White Boy Rick” while involved in Detroit’s drug scene in the 1980s.
- He worked as an FBI informant as a teenager, beginning at about age 14.
- He was later convicted in a drug case and received a life sentence under Michigan’s drug sentencing laws.
- He spent more than 30 years in prison before being released in 2020.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Richard Wershe Jr.?
Why is he called “White Boy Rick”?
How old was he when he became an FBI informant?
What happened to Richard Wershe Jr. after his informant work?
When was he released from prison?
Was his life story made into a film?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Wershe_Jr.Supports: Birth date, nickname, identification as former drug trafficker and FBI informant.
- HarperCollins — https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/richard-wershe-jrSupports: Describes him as the youngest FBI informant and notes his drug conviction and parole.
- Google Books — https://books.google.com/books/about/White_Boy_Rick.html?id=L4-vDgAAQBAJSupports: Memoir description, imprisonment context, and public prominence of the story.
- St. Augustine's University — https://explore.st-aug.edu/exp/fascinating-saga-of-richard-wershe-jr-from-juvenile-informant-to-jailed-drug-dealer-revealedSupports: Biographical overview including Detroit origin, prison term, and release in 2020.
- All That's Interesting — https://www.allthatsinteresting.com/richard-wershe-jrSupports: Narrative of informant role, Detroit corruption context, arrest, and sentencing.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10082701/bio/Supports: Birthplace and basic biographical identification.
- FOX 2 Detroit — https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/white-boy-rick-announces-new-documentary-hype-williamsSupports: Informant age, prison duration, and public attention around his story.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Boy_RickSupports: Film adaptation and its connection to Wershe's life story.