'White Boy Rick': The amazing true story behind Matthew McCounaghey's latest movie

Richard Wershe Jr. aka White Boy Rick, although in custody for drug possession, served as an FBI informant for years

'White Boy Rick' is no ordinary story. A convicted drug dealer arrested back in 1987 for the possession of maybe a little more than eight kilos of cocaine, Richard Wershe Jr. aka White Boy Rick is still behind bars. While it is being contemplated that Rick will probably be released by 2020, his story comes out a lot sooner and candidly reveals the underlining truth of the legal system. 

In March 2013, FAMM (short for Families Against Mandatory Minimums) President Julie Stewart marked the 10th anniversary of Michigan's decision to overthrow the infamous 650 Lifer Law (also known as the Rockefeller drug laws). Being nothing less than a homicidal treatment, the law stated that the penalty for selling two ounces (57g) or more of any drug (such as heroin, cocaine, or crack) would lead up to a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 25 years to life imprisonment.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

A centuries-old vampire experiences love for the first time in 'Pretty Kill Machine,' a new supernatural romance set in Joshua Tree, California.
2026-11-03T18:35:39.000Z
An ‘Orphan’ favorite takes on a world where heartbreak can kill in Beth Fletcher’s debut feature, a sci-fi thriller already filming in Massachusetts.
2026-11-03T18:15:33.000Z
Robert Pattinson stars in 'Primetime,' a thriller inspired by the real-life controversies surrounding a hit television sting operation.
2026-11-03T15:58:12.000Z
Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie’s new film returns to familiar territory, with Netflix backing a story that takes their partnership back to its roots.
2026-11-03T15:45:17.000Z
Two 'Avengers' stars lead 'A Speck in the Sea,' a survival thriller based on a lobster fisherman’s fight to stay alive after falling overboard.
2026-11-03T15:16:52.000Z
With ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ in development, Johnny Depp discusses playing Jack Sparrow again, and what could shape his decision.
2026-11-03T14:17:58.000Z
The 'Slow Horses' star calls James Bond speculation 'flattering' and finally broke his silence on the casting rumors.
2026-11-03T11:41:43.000Z
This comes after 'Scream 7' opened with $63.6 million, the biggest opening weekend in the franchise's 30-year history
2026-11-03T06:49:19.000Z
Casey Cott enters a dangerous game in first details of upcoming thriller ‘Games We Play’
2026-11-03T03:16:18.000Z
A canceled influencer’s attempt to escape online life spirals into psychological horror in 'Get Off Your Phone', starring Maria Bakalova.
2026-11-02T20:20:22.000Z