Richard Stanley is by far one of the most fascinating people I've ever interviewed."-Adam Carolla, #1 Daily Downloaded Podcast in the World
A Bank Robber's Inside Story-Learn the Shocking Truth about PrisonRichard Stanley was known as the "Skinny Bandit"-a bank robber who targeted San Diego area banks. Meticulous and calculating, he continually evaded capture and grew brazen with each additional heist in the early 2000s. It appeared that the FBI would never catch the elusive yet polite robber who went from teller to teller saying, "Put the money on the counter..." and walked away with thousands in cash in a clear plastic bag.
Upon his sudden arrest, the shocking truth was finally revealed when this criminal mastermind who repeatedly outwitted authorities turned out to be eighteen-year-old Richard Stanley, a whiter-than-cocaine kid from the Hispanic gang-filled streets of Otay in San Diego.
With his degree in "business" from one of California's finest institutions where he was given a free ride in their seven-year program (with a seven-month sabbatical in solitude), he's graduated from bank robbery to stacking bitcoin and other business ventures as a legit entrepreneur and shares a vital message: People can change.
Why Did He Rob Banks?The first time was for cash to buy a Taco Bell grande meal.
Today, the Skinny Bandit is a successful entrepreneur, in legit business and a day trader in bitcoin cryptocurrency. Richard Stanley did his time-seven-plus years in Donovan, a rough Southern California prison, where he hustled to stay up on game and where he experienced the real Orange Is the New Black-and where he witnessed the worst horrors of the prison system, from guards killing inmates to rampant drug use and the lengths desperate people go to get what they need (such as snacks, drugs, cell phones, and warm clothing).
WARNING to readers: This book contains offensive language and graphic descriptions of criminal activity including bootlegged photos taken inside.
The Compelling Story of the Neighborhood StruggleRichard Stanley recounts his tumultuous childhood of growing up in the dangerous neighborhood of Otay, surrounded by gangs, drugs, violence, and poverty.
His crimes started with petty shoplifting before graduating to bank robbery. After a short time, Stanley had perfected his craft and hit multiple banks. Each time, he and his crew evaded capture, but one critical mistake cost him everything.
Also READ his second book: Up on Game: When I Ruled the World. "The story of doing time in a California prison and what I learned about solitary confinement, the joke about rehabilitation, and why we need serious prison reform."
READ THE FIRST CHAPTER and listen to a five-minute audio clip, see videos, and for more info, visit the book's website: www.UpOnGameBook.com.
Richard Stanley was raised in a lower income area of South San Diego. Although he was a high school dropout, he obtained a business degree as a serial entrepreneur-in bank robbery.
As acknowledgment of his work in the banking industry, he was graciously accepted into an institution of higher education operated by the California state prison system to further his studies in the criminal justice field with a full-ride scholarship for no less than seven years, out of a possible eight.
During his tenure at the Donovan campus, he specialized in a course in hustling and earned an informal degree in procuring life's necessities and wilderness survival skills. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a sabbatical of sorts and was allowed seven months of personal time in solitude for reflection to just appreciate life. He was off the grid, so to speak, and not allowed cell phones, laptops, or even eating utensils at times. Although Stanley initially declined the retreat time, the institution insisted he spend time in a remote part of campus.
Because most employers would not recognize his degree in higher education, Stanley found it difficult to obtain employment in any field once he left his educational institution. He eventually became an ironworker until he was sidelined with an injury. Using his entrepreneurial skills and exclusive state-funded education, he developed more conventional ways to hustle and currently serves as a consultant to business leaders on the adult marketing world and is co-owner of the online classified website, freevurse.com.
He also has become a day trader in Bitcoin and Litecoin because he has vowed to never rob a bank again, and now with cryptocurrency, he will never need a bank again.
Stanley lives in Newport Beach, California, with his girlfriend and her daughter. He enjoys the finest marijuana and excellent Southern California red wine.
