Leo Sharp
Leonard Sharp (May 7, 1924 – December 12, 2016) was an American World War II veteran and notorious drug courier, or "mule".[1] He transported drugs, mostly cocaine, across the United States, mostly to and from the southern US border and Detroit, Michigan. He allegedly transported more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine during his years of dealing.[2]
| Leo Sharp | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Born | Leo Earl Sharp May 7, 1924 Michigan City, Indiana, US |
| Died | December 12, 2016 (aged 92) Michigan, US |
| Alias(es) | El Tata |
| Conviction(s) | Drug trafficking |
| Penalty | 3 years, federal prison |
| Occupation | Florist Drug courier for the Sinaloa Cartel |
Notoriety
He was widely considered by the Sinaloa cartel and DEA authorities as an urban legend in Detroit until his arrest in 2013. He pleaded not guilty in October 2013 and was sentenced to three years in prison in May 2014.[3] Sharp was the oldest drug mule in the world. He was released from prison in 2015 due to poor health.
Personal life
Sharp was born in Michigan City, Indiana. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan. He fought in World War II and received a Bronze Star Medal for his service.[4]
Sharp had dementia.[2] He died of the natural causes related to the disease on December 12, 2016 in Michigan at the age of 92.[5]
The 2018 movie The Mule is based on Sharp's life, with Clint Eastwood playing "Earl Stone" (based on Sharp).[6][7][8]
References
- ↑ WWII vet Leo Sharp facing sentencing on 90th birthday for 1,000-pounds cocaine haulUPI.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Leo Sharp, Drug Courier, Back In Court For Sentence On 90th Birthday. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
- ↑ Michigan Drug "Mule" Leo Sharp Gets Three Years on 90th BirthdayNBC News.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
- ↑ Leo Sharp, Cocaine Courier And War Hero, Sentenced On 90th BirthdayHuffington Post.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
- ↑ Leo Sharp epitaph: He was the world's oldest drug mule abc7chicago.com
- ↑ Yamato, Jen. Ruben Fleischer To Direct Movie About 90-Year-Old Drug Mule. Deadline Hollywood (November 4, 2014). Retrieved June 4, 2018.
- ↑ Sneider, Jeff. 'The Judge' Writer Nick Schenk to Adapt Elderly Drug Mule Tale for 'Zombieland' Director (Exclusive). TheWrap (February 24, 2015). Retrieved June 4, 2018.
- ↑ Sneider, Jeff. Clint Eastwood Circling 90-Year-Old Drug Courier Tale "The Mule" at Warner Bros., Imperative (Exclusive). The Tracking Board (January 30, 2018). Retrieved June 4, 2018.