The writer, a retired FBI agent, has long advocated for Richard Wershe Jr. to be freed from prison.
Wershe 46, who was convicted of drug trafficking as a teenager, is serving a life sentence and has not been able to get paroled. On Friday, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who has long opposed his release, issued a statement saying she has decided to "review the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office position in his case."
By Gregg Schwarz
Gregg Schwarz
For the past 25 years I have had at least one conversation per week with Richard "White Boy Rick" Wershe Jr.
I have experienced every human emotion with this man. I have calmed him from his observation of certain death, explained that the government is never fair and life can, at times, offer few options.
I listened to some of his prison cellmates like New York Underboss Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, who was one of the first proponents of Rick's release, yelling at me that he himself had killed so many men and was about to be released while this polite mannered youth sat in prison for life without parole. Yes, 25 years of highs and lows.
Not having any influence, once you are retired, in a situation that affects another persons life is just hard to take.
Finally, on Friday, the one woman, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who held in her hand the authority to further incarcerate Rick indicated she will no longer object to a consideration that he be released from prison.
Now, there should be a clear path to parole from Michigan.
As we move on in life, and enter a more mature phase, we learn there are really no secrets. After about 50, the body and mind begin to release some hidden truths, and the truths come to light. Such is the case for for many involved in the saga of Richard Wershe Jr.
The truth is that former Detroit homicide cop and ex-City Council President Gil Hill was very upset with the information that Rick provided about a variety of matters dealing with the corruption that surrounded him. The skeletons in the closet beat at the door, until one day that door is forced to open.
It is no secret that Kym Worthy loved and admired Gil Hill. In her position she could always oppose Wershe's release in honor of Hill. Hill died in February and maybe now she can let his soul rest and save her own.
For those of you that pray, and several of you have, I say thank you and keep the faith.
