Quick Wiki
- Full Name Leroy Nicholas Barnes
- Birth Date October 15, 1933
- Birth Date Oct 15, 1933
- Age 91 Years, 5 Months
- Death Date 06-18-2012
- Age At Death 79
- Place Of Death United States
- Birthplace New York, New York, United States
Leroy 'Nicky' Barnes | Biography
Leroy 'Nicky' Barnes was a notorious drug dealer in New York during the 1970s, known for his vast criminal network and later transformation into a federal witness.
Who is Leroy "Nicky" Barnes?
Leroy "Nicky" Barnes, often dubbed "Mr. Untouchable," rose to notoriety as one of New York City's most infamous drug dealers during the 1970s. Born on October 15, 1933, in New York City, Barnes began his life of crime at a young age, selling drugs and developing a heroin addiction. He experienced multiple run-ins with the law early in his life, serving time in prison where he connected with influential figures in the drug trade. Upon his release in 1971, he established "The Council," a group of African American drug dealers that took control of a significant portion of the city's heroin market.
Barnes enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, marked by expensive cars and custom clothing, earning him his moniker as a seemingly invincible drug lord. However, his empire came crashing down in March 1977 when he was arrested on narcotics conspiracy charges amid high-profile media attention. Following a high-stakes trial, Barnes was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1978. In a dramatic twist, he later turned federal witness against fellow criminals, which led to his release in 1998 and entry into the Witness Protection Program. Despite his new life, Barnes occasionally reminisces about his drug-kingpin days, reflecting on the allure of power and wealth that once defined his existence.
Early Life and Education
Leroy "Nicky" Barnes was born on October 15, 1933, in New York City, where he grew up amidst the vibrant yet tumultuous atmosphere of the city. His early exposure to street life led him to engage in petty crimes, including drug sales. As detailed in his autobiography, "Mr. Untouchable," Barnes quickly escalated from small-time operations to involvement with a street gang. This risky lifestyle introduced him to heroin, which soon turned into a significant addiction. His first brush with law enforcement came in 1950, when he was arrested for possession of a hypodermic needle, propelling him into a cycle of crime and imprisonment.
After being incarcerated several times for various offenses, including drug-related charges, Barnes spent three years at the Manhattan House of Corrections, infamously known as "The Tombs." Released in 1954, he returned to his life of drug dealing, but his run-ins with the law were far from over. In 1959, Barnes faced a five-year sentence in Green Haven State Prison, where he formed crucial connections, including friendships with notable crime figures like Matty Madonna and "Crazy Joey" Gallo. These relationships not only broadened his criminal knowledge but also fueled his ambitions to build a more extensive drug empire upon his release in 1962.
Rise of Mr. Untouchable: Career Start in Drug Trade
Leroy "Nicky" Barnes, born on October 15, 1933, in New York City, embarked on his infamous journey in the drug trade at a remarkably young age. Growing up in a challenging environment, he became involved with street gangs, which fostered his early affinity for drug sales. His initial encounters with the law began in 1950, when he was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. This burgeoning path of crime continued with various arrests, leading to a three-year sentence in New York's notorious Manhattan House of Corrections, known as "The Tombs." However, these setbacks did little to deter Barnes; instead, they solidified his resolve to dominate the underground drug scene.
After his release in 1954, Barnes quickly resumed his illicit activities, but his aspirations truly began to take shape during his incarceration in Green Haven State Prison from 1959 to 1962. Here, he formed significant alliances, notably with known mobster Matty Madonna. Upon his release, he sought to expand his operations, turning his focus towards creating a vast drug empire. By the mid-1960s, Barnes had established himself as a formidable figure in Harlem and the Bronx, reportedly controlling a network that employed around 50 people. His ambition culminated in the founding of "The Council", a collective of African American drug dealers, designed to streamline their operations and establish a level of organized professionalism in an otherwise chaotic and violent environment.
Trouble with the Law and Major Arrests
Leroy "Nicky" Barnes faced numerous run-ins with the law throughout his criminal career, which ultimately contributed significantly to his notoriety as one of New York City's most infamous drug dealers. His first major trouble arose in 1965 when he was apprehended for possessing over $500,000 worth of narcotics. This arrest by the police marked the beginning of a turbulent chapter in his life, as law enforcement considered him a key distributor of drugs in Harlem and the Bronx. Barnes maintained that he was framed, claiming the possession charges were a setup orchestrated by the police to oust him from the drug trade.
Despite his protests, Barnes's legal troubles escalated. In 1966, he received a 15-to-20-year sentence, returning to Green Haven State Prison, where he not only served his time but also converted to Islam and studied law. Following his release in 1971, Barnes attempted to expand his drug empire and established the criminal organization known as "The Council." His criminal activity reached its zenith in the 1970s, but his luck shifted dramatically in March 1977 when he was arrested on narcotics conspiracy charges alongside several associates, leading to a trial that would change his life forever.
Trial and Imprisonment Achievements
Leroy "Nicky" Barnes's trial and imprisonment marked a significant turning point in his life. After being arrested in March 1977 on narcotics conspiracy charges, he and several associates were implicated in selling approximately $1 million worth of heroin each month from a Harlem garage. Prosecutors built a strong case against Barnes, which was bolstered by extensive undercover operations and a highly publicized article in The New York Times Magazine titled "Mister Untouchable." This exposure reportedly caught the attention of President Jimmy Carter, who urged prosecutors to secure a conviction. In September 1977, the jury found Barnes guilty alongside ten co-defendants.
On January 19, 1978, Barnes was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a decision that sent shockwaves through the drug trafficking community he once dominated. His time in Marion Federal Penitentiary saw him reassess his relationships and the criminal enterprise he had built. In a dramatic turn, Barnes ultimately testified against some of his former associates, feeling betrayed, particularly by Guy Fisher. This act of cooperation not only aimed to lighten his sentence but also reflected a profound shift in his priorities. By 1998, his collaboration with federal authorities allowed him to enter the Witness Protection Program, signaling the end of his reign as a drug kingpin and the start of a new chapter in his life.
Personal Life: Married Life and Children
Leroy "Nicky" Barnes's personal life was as tumultuous and complex as his criminal career. Despite his notorious reputation as a drug kingpin, Barnes was married and had children. He married a woman named Georgia, and together they navigated the challenges that came with his illegal activities. While details about their relationship are sparse, it's clear that Barnes's life of crime created significant strain on his marriage. His numerous affairs and the glamorous lifestyle he led often overshadowed his responsibilities at home, leading to personal conflicts that were common among those involved in the drug trade.
Over the years, Barnes fathered several children, though he has largely kept their identities private to protect their lives from the shadows of his past. He viewed fatherhood with mixed feelings, as he struggled with the ramifications of his criminal lifestyle on his family. In later interviews, Barnes expressed a desire to be a positive role model and a stable presence in their lives following his release from prison. His commitment to his children seemed to have deepened during his time in the Witness Protection Program, as he aimed to build a life free from the chaos of his former existence while nurturing his family's future.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights
Leroy "Nicky" Barnes, once one of New York City's most notorious drug lords, amassed a significant fortune from his extensive narcotics empire during the 1970s. At the height of his criminal career, it was estimated that his organization was generating around $1 million a month from heroin sales alone. Such immense earnings allowed Barnes to indulge in a lavish lifestyle, characterized by expensive cars, high-end suits, and frequent visits to upscale nightclubs. However, the exact figure of his net worth during those years remains speculative, as much of his wealth was likely unreported and concealed within various illicit transactions.
After his arrest and subsequent imprisonment, Barnes faced a dramatic shift in fortune. Following his release into the Witness Protection Program in 1998, he had to abandon his previous lifestyle and live under a new identity. This transition from a drug kingpin to an average citizen significantly affected his earning potential. Although Barnes expressed nostalgia for his glamorous past, he has since aimed to achieve stability and respectability in his community. Reports indicate that he now lives modestly, relying on a paycheck instead of the wealth and influence he once wielded, demonstrating the stark contrast between his former life and his current existence.
