Shooters, Heels & Heroes ― The Life & Times of Rico Valentino

Enemies have called Rico Valentino a con-man, a tax evader and an outright liar. He’s been shot at, he’s been grilled in court, and some have claimed he’s responsible for a few dead bodies that have never been found. What is known for sure is that Rico was a pro-wrestler seen on TV as Beatnick Rick and Rico Renaldo Valentino. He’s played a few bit parts in “B” movies. He’s been a wrestling promoter that helped launch his new career as an undercover for the FBI. In his spare time, he strums out a few ballads that commemorate his busts. He’s been known as a tough guy, a smooth talker and a prankster. Federal agents have praised Rico’s ability to slip into organizations such as the Aryan Nations and charm its leaders and then smile over their downfall. Rico’s taught white supremacists how to put a death hold on their opponents, only to discover that Rico put his own death hold on them. He’s worked for local police departments, the Alaska State Police and isn’t shy about offering his undercover skills to any agency. He’s walked into towns cold, spotted someone dealing drugs, and then persuaded a sheriff to give him $10,000 in cash to help nab the crook. He’s charmed everyone and boasted he hasn’t done an honest day’s work in his life. Some of the crooks he’s busted are incredulous, swearing that Rico couldn’t have duped them even when they were hauled away in handcuffs. He’s had his life threatened, only to shove the threat back down the throat of those who challenged him. From a kid growing up in the Great Depression in Nebraska, Rico learned to live larger than life.