Richie Roberts

Richie Roberts is the antagonist hero of the 2007 crime film, American Gangster. He is the detective who attempts to bring down Lucas' drug empire.
He is portrayed by Russell Crowe.
== Story ==
Detective and aspiring lawyer Richie Roberts is ostracized in his precinct after handing in almost $1 million that he found in a mobster's car. Captain Lou Toback puts Roberts in charge of a special task force that targets major drug suppliers, after Roberts' partner overdoses on Blue Magic. Roberts is also depicted having a bitter divorce battle with his ex-wife over his infidelity.
One night, Roberts' detectives witness one of Frank's cousins, Jimmy Zee, shoot his girlfriend; he becomes their informant in lieu of being convicted. They make Jimmy wear a wire, through which they learn that Frank has negotiated one final shipment of heroin after the fall of Saigon. They identify and search one of the last planes carrying Lucas' stock, discovering that it is being smuggled through the coffins of dead servicemen. They follow the drugs into Newark's projects and obtain a warrant to raid Frank's heroin processing facility, which results in the death of Frank's nephew Stevie Lucas and the arrest of Frank's brother Huey. They then arrest the other four brothers, and finally Frank himself.
During a trial against Frank, Roberts offers him a chance at leniency if he will help him expose corrupt police officers, to which Frank agrees. Following Frank's cooperation, three-quarters of the New York DEA and many NYPD officers are arrested and convicted, while Trupo commits suicide. Roberts becomes a defense attorney and has Frank as his first client. Frank is sentenced to 70 years in prison, of which he serves 15 years and is released in 1991.
== Personality ==
Richie may be the only cop with a hope of taking Lucas down. Richie knows just how corrupt his colleagues are, and accepts his status as a pariah within the department. He’s a unique blend of realist and idealist — simultaneously aware of the realities that drive and perpetuate the drug trade, and committed to the impossible task of stopping it once and for all. Likewise, Richie maintains his professional integrity and ignoring his marital integrity. Richie prides himself on being an honest cop, and proves his dedication to his professional scruples when he refuses to skim from a $1,000,000 bust.
Category:Movie Heroes
Category:Live Action Heroes
Category:Thriller Heroes
Category:Male
Category:Fictionalized
Category:Officials
Category:Antagonists
Category:Pragmatists
Category:Unwanted
Category:Jerks
Category:Nemesis
Category:Lawful Good
Category:Truth-Seekers
Category:Spouses
Category:Localized Protection
Category:Counter-Terrorists