Prosecutor could agree to release of 'White Boy Rick'

DETROIT (AP) — The Wayne County prosecutor might reverse her opposition to the release of a Detroit-area drug dealer nicknamed “White Boy Rick,” who has been in prison for 28 years for crimes when he was a teen.

Kym Worthy says her office is reviewing the case of Richard Wershe, 47, who is serving a life sentence with occasional opportunities for parole.

The state parole board so far has declined to release him, but his chances could improve if the prosecutor has no objection.

Worthy said recently she’s been influenced by her review of more than 100 so-called juvenile lifer cases, prisoners serving no-parole sentences for murder committed when they were teens.

Many soon will get a chance for shorter sentences.