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Judge To Hear Bid To Release Drug Dealer, 'White Boy Rick,' From Prison

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A judge is considering whether to lessen the sentence of a Detroit-area drug dealer who has spent nearly 30 years in prison for crimes that go back to when he was a teenager.

RICHARD WERSHE
Richard Wershe Jr. (MDOC/Booking Photo, 2012)

Richard Wershe Jr., 46, will appear Friday morning before Wayne County Circuit Judge Dana Hathaway, attorney Ralph Musilli said Wednesday.

"The judge will read her opinion," said Musilli, who filed the resentencing motion. He argued that Wershe has spent more time in prison than many people convicted of murder and other violent offenses.

"Given the guidelines it would mean that in all likelihood she would sentence him to time served, because he has already served more than 27 years - and his guidelines should top out around 11 years."

"I mean, everybody that he helped put behind bars when he was working with Detroit police and the FBI and the DEA - the Curry Brothers, their enforcer - they're all out - they served 14 years and 17 years - and they are all out now."

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has opposed resentencing.

Wershe, known in the Detroit area as "White Boy Rick," was arrested in 1987. Prosecutors at the time said he had cocaine before his arrest but dumped it in a neighbor's yard before being taken into custody.

His lawyers said the cocaine was found only after Wershe was beaten by police.

Wershe was convicted the following year of possessing more than 650 grams of cocaine and was 18 when sentenced to life in prison without parole. Changes in Michigan's drug law made him eligible for parole, but so far he has been denied release.

Wershe was sentenced in the days before the Supreme Court ruled that sentences like Michigan's mandatory life for dealing large amounts of cocaine - were too harsh.

If Hathaway resentences Wershe -- he could be out by Christmas.

Wershe's case has drawn some high-profile supporters, including Kid Rock, who joined the cry for his release.

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