'White Boy Rick' talks to state parole board chairman

MANISTEE (AP) — A Detroit-area drug dealer who has been in prison for 29 years for crimes when he was a teen has talked by video with the chairman of the Michigan parole board in his latest bid for release.

Ralph Musilli, an attorney for Richard Wershe, says the one-hour meeting last week went well. Wershe, who was known as “White Boy Rick,” spoke to Mike Eagen from a prison in Manistee.

A Corrections Department spokesman said Eagen will write a summary and give an opinion in mid-March on whether the full board should hold a public hearing.

Eagen asked Wershe about his plans if he’s released from prison.

The 47-year-old Wershe is serving a life sentence with occasional opportunities for parole. Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy is taking a neutral position.