The Rap on Sergeant Smack

Awards

Gold Winner of eLit Awards for True Crime Category


Accolades

Sergeant Smack is a riveting account of little known drug kingpin Ike Atkinson. In his latest book, Chepesiuk has once again used his investigative journalist skills to unearth the true story behind the Atkinson drug band and to dispel many myths that have been purported by the media and Hollywood regarding the Asian-American heroin trade. Using exclusive interviews with Atkinson himself, as well as numerous agents who investigated him, Chepesiuk takes the reader inside the mind of a drug trafficker as he establishes his empire.

David Weeks, author of Death at the Ballpark: A Comprehensive Study of Game-Related Fatalities of Players, Other Personnel and Spectators in Amateur and Professional Baseball, 1862-2007

Drug kingpin Ike Atkinson, is the real deal, and not the stuff of Hollywood legend. The author delivers an eminently readable book about a genuine Mr Big who knows that no fictional makeover is required for his compelling story – the truth is more than enough."

Steve Morris, Publisher, New Criminologist

Sergeant Smack is meticulously researched and its prodding for the truth by author Ron Chepesiuk makes it an excellent non-fiction crime story. Along with a compelling history of Ike Atkinson’s life and criminal career in drug smuggling, the author has managed to put the truth to numerous falsehoods contained in the major movie, American Gangster, about the life of Frank Lucas.“

Jack Toal, retired DEA agent who worked the investigation of Frank Lucas

As a 25-year veteran of the DEA, I congratulate Ron on setting the record straight on the true story of American Gangster. By interviewing former DEA agents, drug kingpins and reviewing public documents Ron has accurately captured the roles of the gangsters and the investigative strategy implemented by DEA which led to dismantling of this complex international heroin organization. This is a "must read" for anyone interested in a "true" story of the chess game between the international drug kingpins of the 70's and the DEA agents that took them down.

Lew Rice, former DEA Special Agent in Charge and author of DEA Special Agent: My Life on the Front Line

Finally, the real story.  I've waited 40 years for this book.

Marc Levin, Director of the documentary, “Mr. Untouchable”

Ron Chepesiuk has gone from publishing the Black gangster classics, Gangsters of Harlem and Black Gangsters of Chicago, to crafting Sergeant Smack, an astonishing masterpiece.

David “Pop” Whetstone, Owner, Black Star Music and Video

Sergeant Smack forcefully debunks the urban legend of Black family groups smuggling heroin from Southeast Asia in the bodies of dead GI soldiers while recounting the colorful saga of the authentic American gangster. Highly recommended.

Gary Taylor, journalist and author of the award-winning true crime memoir, Luggage by Kroger.

Ron Chepesiuk is one of the premiere true crime investigative journalists, and he proves it with this new book. Sergeant Smack is a great story and brilliantly written. The book shows that fact can be entering than fiction

Jason Brooks, director of the documentary, Kingpins (the story of Freddie Myers)