13 Facts About Richie Roberts

Richard M Roberts was born on November 28,1937 and is an American attorney.

Richie Roberts is recognized 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.

Lucas's criminal enterprise and the investigation by Richie Roberts was the subject of the 2007 film American Gangster, starring actor Denzel Washington and New Zealand actor Russell Crowe.

Richie Roberts was born in the Bronx, in New York City on November 28,1937.

Richie Roberts was raised by his grandparents in the Bronx until he moved to Newark, New Jersey with his parents when he was eight years old.

Richie Roberts graduated from Newark's Weequahic High School, where he was a star football and baseball player.

Richie Roberts attended Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey, but failed during his senior year as a result of poor attendance.

In 1963, Richie Roberts was employed as a Detective by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office in Essex County, New Jersey where for several years he was involved in undercover organized crime investigations.

Richie Roberts has been a guest speaker to conferences held by several police and private groups.

Richie Roberts was a co-managing partner of Roberts-Saluti, LLC, a criminal and civil litigation firm with offices in Newark, New Jersey.

Richie Roberts has been suspended from the practice of law since 2015, and was ordered on September 11,2017, to be suspended for an additional three years.

Richie Roberts disclosed on the WBGO 88.3 public radio program Conversations With Allan Wolper that heroin dealers in New York area were claiming their drugs were "Blue Magic," hoping to take advantage of the publicity generated by American Gangster.

The film portrays Richie Roberts as being mired in a personal child custody battle and suggests that this aspect of his personal life was compromised by his dogged investigation of Lucas.