10 Things You Didn’t Know About Crime Boss Leroy ‘Nicky’ Barnes


 

Nicky Barnes, whose real name was Leroy Nicholas Barnes, was an infamous American drug lord and crime boss who was born on October 15, 1933, in Harlem, New York City. He was known for his involvement in the heroin trade in New York City during the 1970s. Nicky Barnes made the decision to abandon his academic pursuits at an early stage in his life and instead, took up the illicit trade of drug dealing during his juvenile years.

The exact reasons for his choice to forego education and engage in such illegal activities remain unclear, but it is plausible that various factors such as financial hardship, peer pressure, and lack of positive role models may have contributed to his decision. By embarking on a career in drug trafficking, Barnes entered into a world of risk, danger, and potential legal consequences, which ultimately had significant implications for his life and the lives of those around him.

1. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle

Drug Enforcement Agency, UnknownUnknown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Nicky Barnes was reputed for his ostentatious way of life, characterized by the possession of a plethora of high-end automobiles, as well as a penchant for donning opulent apparel and adornments. His extravagant lifestyle was a reflection of his immense wealth, amassed through his illicit drug trade operations.

Despite the illegal and often unethical nature of his activities, Barnes’ flamboyant demeanor and extravagant displays of wealth were intended to convey a sense of power and status in the criminal underworld. However, such extravagance eventually drew unwanted attention from law enforcement authorities and contributed to his eventual downfall.

2. He was the leader of the Council

Nicky Barnes assumed the position of the chief executive of “The Council,” a formidable coalition of seven African American drug barons who presided over the distribution of heroin throughout New York City in the 1970s. Barnes’ ascension to the leadership role of this powerful syndicate enabled him to exercise his strategic prowess and resourcefulness in furthering the success and expansion of his illicit drug operations.

In addition, his stewardship of “The Council” granted him access to a vast network of contacts and suppliers, which he could utilize to increase his market share and consolidate his power in the underworld. Through his leadership, Barnes was able to establish a tight grip on the heroin trade in New York City, dominating the market and generating substantial profits for himself and his associates.

However, the highly lucrative and illegal nature of his operations eventually brought him into conflict with the law enforcement authorities, leading to his eventual arrest and imprisonment.

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3. He was nicknamed Mr. Untouchable

Nicky Barnes garnered the moniker of “Mr. Untouchable” from the media owing to his ability to evade capture by law enforcement agencies for a prolonged period. This title was a testament to Barnes’ exceptional aptitude in navigating the criminal underworld while avoiding the watchful eye of law enforcement authorities. His tactics for avoiding detection were varied and complex, ranging from bribery and intimidation to strategic movements and alliances within the criminal fraternity.

His mastery of these techniques enabled him to maintain his criminal empire for an extended period, despite the heightened scrutiny and efforts of law enforcement agencies to apprehend him. The media’s portrayal of Barnes as “Mr. Untouchable” served to enhance his reputation and status within the criminal underworld, further solidifying his position as a dominant force in the illegal drug trade. Nonetheless, Barnes’ luck eventually ran out, and he was apprehended by the authorities, leading to his downfall and eventual imprisonment.

4. He was imprisoned for life in 1978 

After evading law enforcement for a considerable duration, Nicky Barnes was ultimately apprehended in 1978 and subsequently received a life sentence. While incarcerated, Barnes adopted a novel strategy to reduce his sentence by providing vital information to the government, thereby becoming a government informant. This role required him to testify against numerous individuals with whom he had previously engaged in criminal activity, leading to several high-profile convictions.

In exchange for his cooperation, Barnes received a considerable reduction in his sentence, leading to his eventual release from prison after serving a reduced term. Despite his efforts to minimize his sentence, Barnes’ decision to cooperate with the government came at a considerable cost to his reputation within the criminal fraternity, leading to accusations of disloyalty and betrayal. Nonetheless, his actions serve as a cautionary tale for those who engage in illegal activities, as the consequences of such actions can lead to a significant loss of freedom and reputation.

5. His cooperation with the government led to the downfall of many drug lords

Nicky Barnes’ collaboration with the government proved to be a significant turning point in the war on drugs, as it led to the takedown of numerous high-profile drug kingpins and the dismantlement of “The Council.” Barnes’ intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the criminal underworld and his strategic position as the head of “The Council” provided the government with critical information that they used to build cases against other drug lords. His testimony and cooperation proved invaluable in several high-profile cases, leading to the indictment and conviction of several other drug traffickers.

In addition to the criminal charges, many of Barnes’ former associates also faced the wrath of rival gangs and vigilantes, leading to several acts of retaliation and violence. The breakup of “The Council” marked the end of a significant era in the history of the American drug trade, as it was one of the most dominant and influential criminal syndicates of its time. However, the downfall of Barnes and his associates also served as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of engaging in illegal activities and the potentially dire consequences of betraying one’s fellow criminals.

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6. Barnes was married four times and had several children

Nicky Barnes’ personal life was characterized by numerous marriages and a large family. Over the course of his lifetime, Barnes was married four times and fathered thirteen children, indicating his inclination towards the family unit. Barnes’ numerous marriages and large family suggest that he valued companionship and the emotional bonds that come with family life.

Moreover, his family may have provided him with a sense of stability and emotional support, which he needed to navigate the turbulent and often dangerous world of the criminal underworld. It is also possible that Barnes’ family may have served as a motivator for his criminal activities, as his extensive responsibilities as a provider may have driven him to seek out more profitable and illicit sources of income

7. Barnes’s identity appeared in the 2007 documentary Mr. Untouchable

After his release from prison, Nicky Barnes later emerged from hiding and revealed his true identity in a 2007 documentary film titled “Mr. Untouchable.” In the film, Barnes voiced his grievances and accused the government of setting him up for cooperation and forcing him to testify against his former associates.

Despite his claims, Barnes’ cooperation with the government was instrumental in dismantling several drug trafficking networks, including his own. The documentary offered a glimpse into the inner workings of the criminal underworld and the often murky relationship between criminals and law enforcement agencies.

8. Barnes spent 20 years in prison and was released in 1998

Following his time in prison, Nicky Barnes was released in 1998 and enrolled in the Witness Protection Program, a government-sponsored initiative designed to provide protection and a new identity to those who are at risk of harm due to their previous criminal activities or affiliation.

This program allowed Barnes to begin a new life with a fresh identity and protect himself from potential retaliation from his former associates or enemies. By entering the Witness Protection Program, Barnes was able to obtain a new identity and start afresh, away from the dangerous and criminal lifestyle he had previously lived.

9. Barnes died due to cancer

Nicky Barnes passed away on March 4, 2012, at the age of 78 due to complications from cancer, a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer is a serious illness that can cause significant physical and emotional distress for both the patient and their loved ones.

It is a complex disease that requires specialized medical treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, among others. Despite the advancements in cancer research and treatment, the disease continues to be a major health challenge worldwide.

10. His life inspired the 2007 film “American Gangster”

Nicky Barnes’ life story, particularly his rise to infamy as a drug lord, served as the inspiration for the 2007 film “American Gangster,” a crime drama directed by Ridley Scott. The film featured an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Cuba Gooding Jr., who portrayed Barnes in the movie. Gooding Jr.’s performance captured Barnes’ flamboyant and ruthless persona, as well as his downfall and eventual cooperation with law enforcement.

“American Gangster” was critically acclaimed for its cinematic style, storytelling, and performances, and was a commercial success at the box office. The film’s portrayal of Barnes’ life story highlighted the realities of organized crime, corruption, and the drug epidemic in New York City during the 1970s.

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