When Derrick Levasseur won Big Brother 16 in 2014, he didn't just walk away with a trophy; he played one of the most dominant tactical games in the history of the show. Today, public estimates place Derrick Levasseur net worth around $500,000 to $575,000, built through a combination of reality television prize money, law enforcement work, true crime media hosting, private investigation, and book sales. Unlike many reality personalities who fade into obscurity or rely solely on social media sponsorships, he transitioned his strategic mind into a diversified post-television career.
Understanding how he built his financial standing requires looking beyond a single reality TV check. His wealth accumulation stems from a steady evolution out of municipal police work into television production, podcasting, and private enterprise.
The Reality Television Foundation
The initial injection into his public profile and personal bank account came straight from CBS. Winning Big Brother season 16 earned him the standard $500,000 grand prize. On top of that primary payout, his involvement in the America's choice twist, Team America, netted him extra cash bonuses, bringing his total single-season earnings to roughly $575,000.
What set his reality television run apart was his gameplay. He famously never sat on the block for eviction the entire summer, a rare feat that protected his standing and maximized his earning potential without relying on competition wins alone.
Transitioning Into True Crime and Television Production
Instead of chasing fleeting influencer deals, he leveraged his background as a decorated police sergeant from Central Falls, Rhode Island, to build a media footprint in the true crime genre. This transition created steady streams of income outside of game shows.
- Investigation Discovery (ID): He starred in and executive produced television series like Breaking Homicide, bringing an authentic law enforcement perspective to cold cases.
- Podcasting: He co-hosts popular audio shows, including Crime Weekly alongside Stephanie Harlowe and The Winner's Circle alongside fellow Big Brother winner Cody Calafiore. Podcasts generate recurring revenue through ad placements and fan-supported tiers.
- Literary Ventures: He authored the book The Undercover Edge, sharing tactical communication and observation skills derived from his years in undercover police work.
Private Investigation and Entrepreneurship
Television represents only one facet of his professional portfolio. He retired from active municipal police duty to establish private business ventures that align with his investigative expertise.
He serves as the founder and CEO of Break Investigative Group, a private investigation and security consulting firm that services corporate and private clients. Additionally, he ventured into consumer goods by launching Criminal Coffee Company, a specialty coffee brand that integrates a true-crime theme while dedicating portions of its mission to supporting cold case investigations and victims' families.
Why His Financial Strategy Works
Many reality television contestants struggle financially because they treat their appearance as a career rather than a springboard. His approach succeeded by adhering to a few distinct operational principles:
- Skill Monetization: He didn't invent a new persona for television; he amplified his real-world investigative skills, making him a credible voice in true crime long after his season ended.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: By spreading income across investigative services, executive production, book royalties, podcast advertisements, and e-commerce, he avoids financial reliance on any single network contract.
- Low Public Risk: Maintaining a disciplined personal life and focusing on professional business ventures protects his brand equity from the volatility common in entertainment circles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Derrick Levasseur win on Big Brother?
He won the $500,000 grand prize for taking first place in Season 16. Combined with his earnings from the Team America segments, his total winnings reached $575,000.
Is Derrick Levasseur still a police officer?
No. He served as a police officer for 13 years in Rhode Island before retiring from active duty in 2017 to focus on private investigation, television production, and media projects.
What podcasts does Derrick Levasseur host?
He co-hosts Crime Weekly focusing on deep-dive true crime cases, and The Winner's Circle, a strategic breakdown podcast covering current seasons of Big Brother with Cody Calafiore.
What is the Break Investigative Group?
It is a private investigation and consulting firm founded by Levasseur that handles private security, investigative casework, and consultation leveraging his law enforcement background.
