Richard Wershe Jr., whose work as an informant inspired the 2018 movie White Boy Rick, was arrested in Florida this week after allegedly attacking his girlfriend.
Fox 2 Detroit reports Wershe Jr., 53, was booked into jail on Tuesday and faces battery and robbery charges. Police arrested Wershe following an argument with his girlfriend that took place at the former FBI informant’s Miami condo.
Wershe’s story was the basis of the 2018 film White Boy Rick, starring Matthew McConaughey and Richie Merritt. The title referred to Wershe’s nickname in his younger days. While serving as the youngest informant in FBI history, Wershe was arrested for cocaine possession in 1988 and sentenced to life in prison at 17-years-old.
Officials said the altercation happened after Wershe mentioned another woman’s name while the couple was having sex. The victim attempted to flee the bedroom, before Wershe snatched her diamond bracelet and punched the her in the stomach.
“The defendant then proceeded to snatch her diamond bracelet and her necklace that the defendant had purchase(d),” the report said. “The victim then threw a shoe at the defendant but missed, but subsequently the defendant walked toward the victim and punched her on the side of her left breast area.”
At the time of his arrest, Wershe had in his possession a set of keys to a Lamborghini, a gold Rolex, and $11,000 in cash. Wershe is facing a charge of robbery by snatching, which is a third-degree felony, as well as a misdemeanor battery charge. Wershe’s girlfriend suffered bruises from the assault.
