Wayne County Prosecutor: Officials To Review 'White Boy Rick' Case

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) -- The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has announced it will be reviewing the "White Boy Rick" case ahead of a parole hearing next year.

Kim Worthy said that after being "immersed" in Juvenile Life Without Parole Murder cases for the last six months a second look is necessary.

Richard "White Boy Rick" Wershe's attorney Ralph Musilli says because the Prosecutor's Office has tried to block parole before, this is monumental for his client.

"Realistically, what will happen is when he comes up for parole next, which will be in 2017, she [Worthy] will indicate to the parole board that her office has no objection to him gaining parole," Musilli said.

The 47-year-old has been in jail since he was 18 for possession with intent to deliver more than 650 grams of cocaine.

"I think it's very brave of her to change her position like she does, I think it's very honest of her particularly given what she said about it," Musilli said. "I think that's great, that's very professional. That's what a good prosecutor does."

Worthy added that only the Michigan Parole Board determines who does or doesn't receive parole. Wershe has been eligible for parole, but the parole board hasn't released him.

A Detroit-area judge last year said Wershe was entitled to a new sentence, noting his age at the time of his crime and other circumstances. But that decision was overturned.

Wershe's story made headlines around the world when he infiltrated local drug gangs at the tender age of 13 — at the request of Detroit police and FBI agents — and turned in evidence that convicted 14 dealers and gangsters, including some of the biggest drug dealers in Detroit history.

Musilli has claimed that as a direct result of Wershe's help, the FBI was able to infiltrate a gang of Detroit police officers that was transporting drugs from the Wayne County Airport to the streets of the city's east side.

The then-baby-faced teen was sentenced to mandatory life prison under the state's strict cocaine dealing laws. The Michigan constitution was later amended to lighten up sentences for nonviolent offenders — yet Wershe's release has continued to be denied.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.