Exploring the True Story of White Boy Rick: Richard Wershe Jr.’s Current Whereabouts

White Boy Rick, released in 2018, is a crime drama inspired by the astonishing true story of Richard “Ricky”Wershe Jr. Although certain facts are dramatized, the film captures many elements that align closely with real history. It chronicles the life of Ricky, who became the youngest FBI informant at just 14 years old. His remarkable journey spans from aiding his father in illegal arms trafficking to rising as a prominent drug dealer in Detroit—a narrative that challenges credibility due to its extremity.

Starring Matthew McConaughey as Richard “Rick”Wershe Sr. and Richie Merritt as his son, Ricky, the film sets its opening scene in 1984 amidst the crack epidemic in the U.S. The plot details Ricky’s evolution from innocence to becoming an influential figure in Detroit’s drug scene. While White Boy Rick may not achieve the accolades for accuracy, it maintains several core truths about Ricky’s tumultuous life.

Richard Wershe Sr.’s Role in Ricky’s Life

The FBI Approaches Richard Wershe Sr. for Assistance

Richard Wershe Sr. and Jr. bumping fists.

A significant deviation from the actual events is the portrayal of Wershe Sr. in the film. While the narrative implies that Ricky informs on behalf of his father’s gun business under pressure from the FBI, the reality is much different: the FBI initially sought Rick Sr.’s help as an informant. According to sources such as Atavist, the agents had an established relationship with Rick Sr. due to his minor criminal enterprises.

As the FBI worked on dismantling drug rings in Detroit, their interest in Rick Sr. was limited. They would inform Rick of any trouble involving his daughter, who struggled with addiction, showcasing the informal support network they had built with him. When the FBI suggested enlisting Ricky as an informant, financial incentives weighed heavily in Wershe Sr.’s decision.

Wershe confessed, saying,

“I took the money. I wasn’t doing all that well at the time. And I thought it was the right thing—keep some drug dealers off the street and get paid for it.”

By the time Ricky stepped into the role of informant, he had already been schooled in the criminal world, befriending influential figures like Rudell “Boo”Curry and Johnny “Lil Man”Curry. At only 14, he was well-versed in the local drug ecosystem.

The Origin of the “White Boy Rick”Moniker

Press Created “White Boy Rick”Moniker

The name “White Boy Rick”resonates with a sense of street credibility, but it was actually conjured by the media, according to Detroit Free Press. This catchy title has since become synonymous with Ricky’s story, enhancing the narrative’s appeal.

Ricky’s Role in Revealing Police Corruption

Ricky Uncovers A Major Police Scandal

Unexpectedly, Richard Wershe Jr. played a crucial role in exposing a major Detroit police scandal, which emerged as one of the most significant corruption cases in the region’s history. Ricky obtained information from dealers about a 13-year-old boy’s death over drugs, leading him to report it to his FBI contacts. Consequently, the FBI connected the dots and found that local police were covering up incidents involving the Curry brothers, particularly due to family ties to city officials.

This discovery threatened the cover for the FBI’s use of a minor informant, prompting the agency to cut ties with Ricky for fear of exposing their operation. Cast adrift without the FBI’s protection, Ricky had to fend for himself in an increasingly dangerous environment.

Ricky Faces Life Threats

Ricky Survives Multiple Attempts on His Life

After information about “White Boy Rick”began circulating, the young dealer found himself in the crosshairs. He recounted a near-fatal encounter with gunfire, stating,

“No words were said. All I remember is waking up at the bottom of the stairs in this agonizing pain, and I was 15 years old. I thought I was going to die.”

Ricky narrowly escaped death thanks to timely intervention from a witness. Additionally, claims surfaced from Nate Boone Craft, a former hitman, suggesting that a Detroit police officer had offered a substantial payout for Ricky’s elimination. Craft articulated,

“I was told to kill White Boy Rick. He [the police officer] said, ‘125,000, I’ll make sure you get it as long as that boy is dead.’”

While there is no definitive proof for Craft’s allegations, Ricky undoubtedly posed a substantial risk to those within law enforcement who sought to silence him.

Ricky’s Transition to Incarceration

The End of FBI Support for Ricky

As the FBI withdrew their support, Ricky was compelled to adapt to a life of crime, becoming one of Detroit’s most notorious drug dealers before reaching adulthood. He commanded respect and amassed wealth through calculated moves against rivals, even taking territory from gang leaders. However, the police’s intervention, following a raid of his home, led to the discovery of 18 pounds of cocaine.

Despite his age, the legal system showed no mercy, with the judge famously stating during his sentencing that Ricky was

“…worse than a mass murderer.”

At 17, he was sentenced under Michigan’s 650-Lifer Law to life in prison without parole for possessing a significant amount of cocaine. Though the law was revised in 1998, allowing for potential parole, Ricky was not released until 2017, after three decades behind bars. His freedom was short-lived as he faced further incarceration for a related offense.

The Current Status of Richard Wershe Jr.

Ricky Embarks on a New Chapter

On July 20, 2020, Richard Wershe Jr. was finally released from prison—an event not highlighted in the credits of White Boy Rick, which premiered two years earlier. In his newfound freedom, Ricky has become an advocate for non-violent offenders dealing with drug-related convictions. He has also launched his cannabis line, The 8th, symbolizing his commitment to reform and change.

Evaluating the Accuracy of White Boy Rick

Controversy Surrounding the Portrayal of Rick Sr.

The film adaptation of White Boy Rick has faced criticism for altering key facts for dramatic effect. Though it maintains aspects of Ricky’s authentic story, numerous viewers argue that it oversimplifies the narrative. For instance, while Rick’s early criminal activities are hinted at, the film neglects to depict his involvement in serious crimes, including burglaries.

Rick Wershe Sr. reflected on this challenging period of their lives, noting,

“My daughter became sick on drugs. My son became sick on power, the excitement, the prestige, the money, and the glamour of selling. OK? He became sick.”

Criticism arises mainly from how Rick Sr. is represented. Rather than being depicted as an abusive figure who exploited his children for financial gain, the film creates a more sympathetic portrayal. This shift generates controversy regarding the underlying truths and moral fabric of the characters’ lives, as discussed by former investigative reporter Vince Wade, stating that the narrative crafted a fairy tale around their authentic experiences.

Final Thoughts on Changes in the Film

An Entertaining Yet Misleading Narrative

While the cinematic liberties taken in White Boy Rick enhance its entertainment factor, they may undermine the film’s legacy over time. Emotional and complex adjustments made characters appear more heroic than their real-life counterparts, thus presenting a distorted narrative. Screenwriter Andy Weiss captured this moral dilemma, stating,

“It’s a moral tightrope. Things are not always black and white.”

In contrasts to films that maintain the moral ambiguities of their subjects, White Boy Rick tends to romanticize its characters. To create a narrative where Ricky emerges largely as a victim, the film glosses over the realities of his criminal undertakings, which strips the story of its authentic grit and complexity.

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