What Is Charles Cosby’s Net Worth?

Charles Cosby is an American former cocaine dealer with a net worth of $100 thousand. His drug-dealing career began in his late teens, and he eventually made contact with Griselda Blanco, one of the infamous members of the Medellin Drug Cartel, while she was imprisoned. Their relationship, which included letters, phone calls, and eventually romantic involvement, helped Charles expand his cocaine trade exponentially.

Charles Cosby

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Charles severed ties with Griselda after she plotted to kidnap John F. Kennedy Jr. After her release from prison in 2004 and subsequent deportation, Cosby was featured in the 2008 documentary “Cocaine Cowboys II: Hustlin' with the Godmother,” and later published a book titled "Hustling with the Godmother: My Life and Times with Griselda Blanco" in 2021.

Early Life

Born on December 22, 1967, in Fresno, California, Charles Cosby was raised in Oakland with three older siblings. His family life was disrupted when his father’s drug use and homosexual affairs were uncovered, leading to their parents' separation and a subsequent decline in their living conditions.

Charles attended Brookfield Elementary School and James Madison Middle School, excelling as a student. Initially aspiring to become a lawyer, his path shifted dramatically when he began dealing drugs during his time at John C. Fremont High School.

Charles Cosby

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Career

In 1991, Cosby began corresponding with Griselda Blanco (the “Cocaine Godmother”) while she was in prison. Their relationship led Blanco to involve Charles in her drug smuggling operations, making him a millionaire within 45 days. His involvement with Blanco put him under the scrutiny of law enforcement, leading to a subpoena from the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office in 1995. Cosby misled authorities regarding Blanco’s wealth, significantly underreporting her earnings.

Cosby chose to end his association with Blanco after her hitman, Jorge “Rivi” Ayala, agreed to testify against her. Blanco, facing potential execution, planned to kidnap John F. Kennedy Jr. in an attempt to negotiate her freedom. The plot never materialized, and after a scandal undermined the case, Blanco was released and deported. She was eventually assassinated in 2012 in Colombia.

Cosby documented his experiences in the book "Hustling with the Godmother" released in 2021, with the foreword written by bestselling author Mark Ebner. Ebner highlighted the destructive yet compelling nature of Cosby’s life and relationship with Blanco.

Personal Life

In interviews, Charles discussed his relationship with Griselda Blanco, describing their connection and the dangers he faced. He recounted an assassination attempt orchestrated by Blanco after she discovered his infidelity. Although he survived due to wearing a bulletproof vest, the experience highlighted Blanco’s ruthless nature—something that had previously led to the deaths of her three husbands.