Richard John Wershe Jr., nicknamed as “White Boy Rick,” is a notorious American criminal. He became the FBI’s youngest informant aged 14 after being born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 18, 1969. He has been in several documentaries and films on his life, which included crime, incarceration, and release.
Early Life and Criminal Activities
Wershe was raised in 1980s Detroit, a city plagued by violence and drug trafficking. His FBI involvement began as a teenager, supplying intelligence about drug dealers and gangs.
| Year | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Became an FBI informant at age 14. |
| 1987 | Arrested with large quantities of cocaine. |
| 1988 | Convicted for drug trafficking. |
Family Background
Richard Wershe Jr. from a modest family background. His parents separated when he was five, and he spent most of his youth with his father.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Wershe Sr. | Father | Raised Richard and his sister after divorce. |
| Darlene McCormick | Mother | Separated from Richard Sr. when he was young. |
| Dawn Wershe | Sister | Close sibling relationship; involved in his life story. |
| Richard Williams | Son | Graduated from the University of Michigan. |
Life Behind Bars
Wershe received life in prison under Michigan’s controversial 650-Lifer Law for non-violent offenders. After 32 years in prison, he maintained his innocence, alleging that his trial did not consider his informant position.
| Year | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 1988 | Sentenced to life in prison. |
| 2017 | Released after serving 32 years. |
| 2020 | Attempted to have his sentence reduced again. |
Post-Prison Life
Wershe has tried to rebuild his life and family since his release. He has also spoken out on crime and the justice system’s shortcomings.
| Year | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Released from prison and returned to Detroit. |
| 2023 | Engaged in various public speaking events. |
| 2023 | Filed a lawsuit against the FBI and Detroit police. |
Media Representation
Wershe’s life has been featured in documentaries and a film. The representation of his life has spurred discussions regarding the criminal justice system, teenage crime, and law enforcement’s influence.
| Year | Media Representation |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Documentary “White Boy” premiered. |
| 2018 | Feature film “White Boy Rick” released. |
| 2021 | Various interviews and articles discussing his life. |
Challenges and Lawsuits
Since his release, Wershe has fought the authorities in his case in court. A federal court dropped his $100 million lawsuit against the FBI and local police in 2023, a setback in his fight for justice.
| Year | Legal Challenges |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Lawsuit against the FBI dismissed. |
| 2023 | Continues to fight for acknowledgment of his innocence. |
FAQ
How much is Richard Wershe Jr. worth?
Richard Wershe Jr.’s estimated net worth is $500,000-$1 million, mainly from post-release income streams.
How many children does Richard Wershe Jr. have?
Richard Wershe Jr. has three children, including University of Michigan graduate son Richard Williams.
Richard Wershe Jr.’s relatives?
Father Richard Wershe Sr., mother Darlene McCormick, and sister Dawn Wershe have shaped Wershe’s life.
Richard Wershe Jr.’s FBI informant role?
Wershe became an FBI informant at 14 and revealed 1980s Detroit drug dealers and corruption.
