'Freeway' Ricky Ross

As of December 2005, Ricky Ross's sentence has been reduced. Ricky Ross was a drug dealer in L.A. in the 80's who is now thought to have been protected as an asset by the CIA. Ross was convicted in 1996 of conspiring to buy more than 100 kilograms of cocaine from a police informant. He was initially sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A federal appeals court threw this decision out. Upon the trial judge's reconsideration he was sentenced 20 years. Ross has been in state prison for 10 years now. Between good behavior and completing a drug prevention program, he could be out in just two more.

Ricky feels it is only right to share what has happened to him in an attempt to make past wrongs as right as possible. Please read more about his incredible story at www.copi.com.

Watch MSNBC news footage about drugs and the CIA - features Ricky Ross, Gary Webb, and ADW affiliate Cele Castillo

Read a transcript of one of Gary Webb's most memorable and acclaimed speeches on drug trafficking and journalism - covers the South Central L.A. crack epidemic and the involvement of Ricky Ross

Ross is among several names listed in this US Department of Justice 1999 report - The CIA-Contra-Crack Cocaine Controversy: A Review of the Justice Department’s Investigations and Prosecutions

Read US Department of Justice official reports on Ross: click here