For other people named Richard Roberts, see Richard Roberts (disambiguation).
Richie Roberts
Born
Richard M. Roberts
(1937-11-28) November 28, 1937 (age 86)
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Nationality
American
Education
Rutgers University Seton Hall University
Occupation(s)
Former Detective (1963–1971) Former Assistant Prosecutor (1971–1975) Former Head of Narcotics Task Force, Former Federal Bureau of Narcotics (1973–1975) Former Criminal Defense Attorney (1975–2015)
Known for
The prosecution of drug kingpin Frank Lucas
Richard M. Roberts (born November 28, 1937)[1][2] is an American attorney. Roberts was a former law enforcement officer who worked as a detective in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Essex County Bureau of Narcotics. After completing law school at Seton Hall University and passing the bar examination, Roberts served as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.
Roberts is known for his role in the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of Harlem "drug kingpin" Frank Lucas, who operated a heroin smuggling and distribution ring in the New York City metro area. He was assisted by the hard work and dedication of three detectives: Eddie Jones, Al Spearman and Benny Abruzzo (called the Z-TEAM). In addition to destroying Lucas's drug operation, the Z-TEAM'S investigation also uncovered police corruption connected with the drug trade.[citation needed] Lucas's criminal enterprise and the investigation by the Z-TEAM was the subject of the 2007 film American Gangster, starring Denzel Washington (as Lucas) and Russell Crowe (as Roberts). After Lucas was incarcerated, Roberts entered private practice as an attorney specializing in criminal defense and was retained by Lucas as defense counsel.
In April 2017, Roberts pleaded guilty to tax crimes after an investigation against him by the Internal Revenue Service's criminal division and investigators from the U.S. Attorney's Office.[3]
^Debra Cassens Weiss: Ex-prosecutor portrayed in 'American Gangster' is sentenced for client theft. ABA Journal, 20 September 2019
^Steve Janosky: Former Essex County assistant prosecutor of 'American Gangster' fame sentenced to probation. Northjersey.com, 11 January 2018
^Moriarty, Thomas (11 April 2017). "'American Gangster' prosecutor Richie Roberts pleads guilty to tax crimes". NJ.com. Retrieved 2017-04-11.
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