“Freeway” Rick Ross, an American convicted drug trafficker, has a net worth of $1 million as of 2024. He is best known for running a vast drug empire in Los Angeles in the early 1980s, and his criminal activities earned him a notorious reputation and a peak net worth that he claimed exceeded $600 million. Despite his criminal past, Ross has turned his life around and now shares his experiences through public speaking and media appearances.
Early life and challenges
Ricky Donnell Ross was born to Sonny Ross and Anne Mae Mauldin. When he was three, he moved to Los Angeles with his mother. His father, a former Army cook and hog farmer, remained in Texas. Ross's childhood in Los Angeles was filled with poverty and the pain of raising a family. Living in the community beneath Interstate 110, known as the Harbor Highway, earned him the nickname “The Highway.”
Growing up, Rose worked various odd jobs and developed a passion for tennis. Although he was not a natural athlete, he competed every day and earned a spot on the high school team at Susan Miller Dorsey High School. Tennis allowed him to escape difficult circumstances and provided him with opportunities, such as being scouted by a California State University scout. However, his illiteracy prevented him from receiving a scholarship and his dream of a tennis career came to an abrupt end.
Fall into crime
With her tennis dreams shattered, Rose turned to crime. His entry into the world of crime began with part-ownership of a car chop shop, where he was first introduced to cocaine. His initial involvement in the drug trade was with the help of Henry Corrales, who supplied him with Nicaraguan cocaine. Ross quickly expanded his business, and by 1984 he formed a relationship with another Nicaraguan drug trafficker, Oscar Danilo Blandon Reyes.
Ross's drug empire grew rapidly, and he soon began dealing with Colombian drug cartels. He invested his profits in a variety of legitimate businesses, including real estate and a tennis training program for teenagers. However, his involvement in the drug trade also meant constant danger, leading him to wear a bulletproof vest at all times.
Law enforcement investigation
By 1985, Ross had come to the attention of law enforcement. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department formed the “Highway Ricky Task Force” to shut down his operation. Despite widespread corruption within the police force, Ross managed to evade capture for several years. However, his luck came to an end in the late 1980s when he was charged with drug trafficking after 9 kilograms of cocaine were seized in connection with his organization.
Ross initially sought to shorten his sentence by testifying against corrupt police officers. However, his former business partner Brandon betrayed him, providing more information that resulted in Ross being sentenced to life in prison. In order to regain his freedom, Ross spent countless hours in the prison library, overcame his illiteracy, and read more than 300 books. His self-study focuses on self-help, entrepreneurship, and the legal system.
redemption and deliverance
Ross' greatest achievement while in prison was fully understanding the legal system and successfully appealing his case. He successfully reduced his life sentence to 20 years and was released from prison in 2009. His story of redemption is one of perseverance and self-improvement, highlighting his ability to turn his life around despite the odds.
Autobiography and media appearances
In 2013, Ross began writing his autobiography, Highway Ross: The Untold Autobiography, which was released in 2014 to critical acclaim. The book delves into his life and the inner workings of his drug empire. Ross has also appeared in various media, including the 2015 Emmy-nominated documentary Highway: Cracks in the System. He is a frequent guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast and has given numerous public speaking engagements.
Legal battle with rapper Rick Ross
In 2010, “Freeway” Rick Ross sued rapper William Leonard Roberts II (aka Rick Ross) for copyright infringement. The rapper adopted his stage name as a tribute to the former drug dealer. “Freeway” Rick Ross claims he is the real Rick Ross and seeks $10 million in damages. Although his case was dismissed, he appealed multiple times and the matter was ultimately brought to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The court ruled in favor of the rapper, citing his First Amendment rights.
in conclusion
The life of “Highway's” Rick Ross is a testament to the complexity of the American criminal justice system and the power of personal redemption. From running a multi-million dollar drug empire to educating himself and turning his life around in prison, Ross's journey is both cautionary and inspiring. Today, he continues to share his story, providing valuable lessons about resilience and the possibility of change.