White Boy Rick

White Boy Rick covers the extraordinary life of Rick Wershe Jr., a teenage drug-dealer in Detroit during the 1980s. The documentary chronicles Wershe’s journey from an ordinary teenager to the youngest FBI informant in history, and his subsequent descent into the world of drug dealing.

The story begins in 1984 when 14-year-old Rick Wershe Jr. is recruited by the FBI to infiltrate Detroit’s drug underworld. Growing up on the city’s east side, Wershe had a front-row seat to the burgeoning crack cocaine epidemic. The FBI, desperate to combat the rising tide of drug-related crime, saw an opportunity in the streetwise teenager.

Wershe’s involvement with law enforcement quickly escalated. He was sent on dangerous missions, including a trip to Las Vegas, to gather intelligence on major drug operations. His information led to significant busts and the takedown of several high-profile dealers. However, the FBI’s use of such a young informant raises serious ethical questions, which the documentary addresses head-on.

The documentary paints a vivid picture of 1980s Detroit, a city grappling with the devastating effects of the crack epidemic. It provides context for Wershe’s story by exploring the socioeconomic factors that contributed to the rise of drug trafficking in the area. Interviews with former law enforcement officials, drug dealers, and Wershe’s family members offer multiple perspectives on this tumultuous period.

One of the most shocking aspects of Wershe’s story is how quickly he transitioned from informant to drug dealer. After the FBI abruptly cut ties with him, Wershe, now accustomed to a lifestyle of money and power, decided to enter the drug trade himself. The documentary examines the factors that led to this decision, including the lack of support and guidance provided to Wershe after his work as an informant ended.

Wershe’s career as a drug dealer was short-lived. At 17, he was arrested and sentenced to life in prison under Michigan’s harsh drug laws. The White Boy Rick raises questions about the fairness of Wershe’s sentence, especially considering his young age and his previous work for the FBI. Through interviews with Wershe himself, conducted from prison, the documentary provides a firsthand account of his experiences. These interviews offer insight into Wershe’s mindset during his time as an informant and his subsequent involvement in the drug trade.