Wrongful Convictions & Cold Cases: An Interview with Rick Wershe Jr.
In this third episode of "Wrongful Convictions & Cold Cases," Andy interviews his former client and friend Rick Wershe Jr., who at the age of 17 was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a non-violent drug offense. Rick served over 32 years in prison before being released in 2020. Rick's incredible and outrageous story was profiled in the documentary "White Boy," as seen on Netfilx and Showtime, and the theatrical movie "White Boy Rick," starring Matthew McConaughey.
Rich Wershe Jr.
Rick Wershe Jr. grew up on the East side of Detroit. At the age of 14, he was recruited by the FBI as an informant on police and political corruption in Detroit. At the age of 17, Rick was convicted of a non-violent drug offense and, despite being a juvenile, was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Rick spent over 32 years in prison before being released in 2020. Since his release from prison, Rick has been a strong advocate on a variety of social justice issues, including prison conditions and programs and mental health initiatives. Rick has also been a big supporter of programs seeking to benefit those living in struggling communities in the Detroit area, including his old neighborhood. He's a truly remarkable person.
