INSIDER
Hear from imprisoned creatives at this Ann Arbor Art Fair exhibit
Read full article: Hear from imprisoned creatives at this Ann Arbor Art Fair exhibitHumanize the Numbers shows the stories, faces and perspectives of incarcerated individuals as they express themselves in ways not allowed by the prison system.
Annual exhibition showcasing artwork by prisoners returns to University of Michigan this month
Read full article: Annual exhibition showcasing artwork by prisoners returns to University of Michigan this monthThe 27th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons will run March 21-April 4 in Ann Arbor.
Michigan bill would restore people in prison with ability to earn time off sentence for good behavior
Read full article: Michigan bill would restore people in prison with ability to earn time off sentence for good behaviorA bill has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives that would restore the ability for people in prison to earn time off their sentences with good behavior.
‘I’m going to die in here’: Family pushes for change after Michigan prisoner left to die of dehydration
Read full article: ‘I’m going to die in here’: Family pushes for change after Michigan prisoner left to die of dehydrationIt’s been three years since Jonathan Lancaster died behind bars, strapped to a chair and his family wants to know why more isn’t being done to hold prison staff accountable.
Interview: Tracy Cowan spent nearly 20 years in Michigan prison. Now she’s pushing reform
Read full article: Interview: Tracy Cowan spent nearly 20 years in Michigan prison. Now she’s pushing reformA women who spent nearly 20 years in prison for gun and drug charges was released in January after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer commuted her sentence.
‘White Boy Rick’ Wershe denounces Detroit’s effort to dismiss lawsuit due to bankruptcy
Read full article: ‘White Boy Rick’ Wershe denounces Detroit’s effort to dismiss lawsuit due to bankruptcyRichard Wershe Jr., formerly known as “White Boy Rick,” is set to appear in court Wednesday afternoon to denounce the city of Detroit’s effort to dismiss a civil lawsuit he brought against the city, several Detroit law enforcers and others for their alleged role in his decadeslong imprisonment.
Pure Heart Foundation helps break the cycle: ‘You are not your parent’s incarceration’
Read full article: Pure Heart Foundation helps break the cycle: ‘You are not your parent’s incarceration’Four out of 10 children in Detroit have a parent who is behind bars. Statistics also show that children with incarcerated parents are seven times more likely to go to prison instead of college.
Indiana man sentenced in 1987 murder in Berrien County, closing cold case
Read full article: Indiana man sentenced in 1987 murder in Berrien County, closing cold caseAn Indiana man has been sentenced to decades in prison in connection with a 1987 murder in Southwestern Michigan, effectively closing what was once a cold case.
State wins trial over bias claims at women’s prison in Pittsfield Township
Read full article: State wins trial over bias claims at women’s prison in Pittsfield TownshipA jury has ruled in favor of the state Corrections Department in a trial about work opportunities for male officers at Michigan’s only prison for women.
Ex-Detroit city councilman sentenced to 2 years in prison for bribery
Read full article: Ex-Detroit city councilman sentenced to 2 years in prison for briberyFormer Detroit City Councilman Andre Spivey has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to a bribery charge in connection with the federal probe into a Detroit corruption scandal.
Millions at stake in trial over job policy at Washtenaw County women’s prison
Read full article: Millions at stake in trial over job policy at Washtenaw County women’s prisonTrial is underway in a long-running lawsuit that accuses the Michigan prison system of illegally discriminating against male officers at the state’s only prison for women.
Ex-Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh released from prison
Read full article: Ex-Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh released from prisonFormer Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh was released from prison Wednesday morning after serving a shorter-than-expected sentence following a criminal sexual conduct conviction.
Oxford shooting: Here’s what charges, potential sentences suspect’s parents are facing
Read full article: Oxford shooting: Here’s what charges, potential sentences suspect’s parents are facingParents of the teenager accused of opening fire at Oxford High School and killing four students have been arraigned on involuntary manslaughter charges for their alleged role in the mass shooting.
Detroit man home for holidays after wrongfully serving 26 years in prison
Read full article: Detroit man home for holidays after wrongfully serving 26 years in prisonA recently exonerated Detroit man says he is extra thankful this holiday season, as he’s finally home after serving more than 25 years behind bars.
Danny Fenster’s family upon news of his release: ‘We cannot wait to hold him in our arms’
Read full article: Danny Fenster’s family upon news of his release: ‘We cannot wait to hold him in our arms’Danny Fenster, the Michigan native who was working as a journalist in Myanmar and was sentenced to 11 years in prison just days ago, is now being released from that prison thanks to a former U.S. diplomat.
New charges filed against jailed US journalist Danny Fenster in Myanmar
Read full article: New charges filed against jailed US journalist Danny Fenster in MyanmarThe lawyer for an American journalist jailed in Myanmar for more than five months says his client has been served with two new criminal charges, including one that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Michigan man linked to Islamic State gets 98-month sentence
Read full article: Michigan man linked to Islamic State gets 98-month sentenceA Michigan man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State group.
Former Detroit police officer sentenced to 18 months for $15K bribe from drug trafficker
Read full article: Former Detroit police officer sentenced to 18 months for $15K bribe from drug traffickerA former Detroit police officer has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after he was convicted of bribery, accepting $15,000 cash bribe from a drug trafficker.
UAW gets $1.1M for lake house built for former president Dennis Williams
Read full article: UAW gets $1.1M for lake house built for former president Dennis WilliamsThe United Auto Workers union says it got $1.1 million for a lakefront house in northern Michigan that was being built for a former president who was sentenced to prison in a federal corruption probe.
Richard Wershe Jr., formerly ‘White Boy Rick,’ announces lawsuit against FBI agents and Detroit police year after prison release
Read full article: Richard Wershe Jr., formerly ‘White Boy Rick,’ announces lawsuit against FBI agents and Detroit police year after prison releaseRichard Wershe Jr. is suing FBI agents, Detroit police and others a year after he was released from prison.
Richard Wershe Jr., formerly ‘White Boy Rick,’ is suing FBI agents and Detroit police year after prison release
Read full article: Richard Wershe Jr., formerly ‘White Boy Rick,’ is suing FBI agents and Detroit police year after prison releaseRichard Wershe Jr. is suing FBI agents, Detroit police and others a year after he was released from prison.
Live stream: Coverage as Derek Chauvin sentenced in murder of George Floyd
Read full article: Live stream: Coverage as Derek Chauvin sentenced in murder of George FloydEx-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is being sentenced Friday months after being convicted of murdering civilian George Floyd.
Former UAW president Gary Jones sentenced to 28 months in federal prison
Read full article: Former UAW president Gary Jones sentenced to 28 months in federal prisonFormer United Auto Workers (UAW) president Gary Jones as has been sentenced to 28 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing from the union he’d served for 45 years.
Bobby Ferguson’s lawyer weighs in on his early release from prison
Read full article: Bobby Ferguson’s lawyer weighs in on his early release from prisonAfter eights years in prison, Bobby Ferguson is back in Detroit following U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds granting his request for a compassionate release.
University of Michigan marks 25 years of prison art shows with digital gallery
Read full article: University of Michigan marks 25 years of prison art shows with digital galleryANN ARBOR – The University of Michigan’s Exhibition of Art by Michigan Prisoners is celebrating 25 years with a virtual gallery due to the ongoing health crisis. The annual Prison Creative Arts Project at U-M is now one of the largest exhibitions by imprisoned artists in the world. (University of Michigan - Prison Created Arts Project)Krinitsky said the organization has wanted to expand to a larger audience for some time. (University of Michigan - Prison Created Arts Project)“It was an extraordinary year, although it was some time ago that we visited,” Hamilton said in a release. “Many PCAP artists rely on sales revenue to purchase art supplies as well as things they need for daily living.
Appeal hearing postponed for American imprisoned in Russia
Read full article: Appeal hearing postponed for American imprisoned in RussiaThis image provided by Joey Reed, shows Trevor Reed and his mom Paula Reed in 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The parents of Trevor Reed spoke Monday to The Associated Press as a Russian court sentenced another American man to more than a decade in prison in an unrelated espionage case. (Joey Reed via AP)MOSCOW – A Moscow court on Wednesday postponed hearing the appeal of an American sentenced to nine years in prison for assaulting police officers, and ordered that he undergo a psychological examination. Reed, an ex-Marine from Texas, is one of three Americans imprisoned or charged in Russia under controversial circumstances. Read more: Michigan family hopeful Biden can help free Paul Whelan from Russian prison
How Kim Kardashian triggered domino effect leading to Kwame Kilpatrick’s clemency
Read full article: How Kim Kardashian triggered domino effect leading to Kwame Kilpatrick’s clemencyFormer Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick reunited with his family Wednesday shortly after he was released from prison. Kilpatrick, who served nearly eight years, was released early after his 28-year sentenced was commuted on Jan. 19 by former President Donald Trump. While several people contributed to Kilpatrick’s release, it appears socialite and businesswoman Kim Kardashian also triggered a domino effect in the matter. “He told me about so many incredible things he was doing in prison,” Johnson said. Jonson says she hopes that Kilpatrick will “regain his purpose.”“I believe Kwame found a brand new purpose in life.
Kwame Kilpatrick reunites with family after release from prison
Read full article: Kwame Kilpatrick reunites with family after release from prisonDETROIT – After nearly eight years behind bars, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick walked free Wednesday from prison in Oakdale, Louisiana, and arrived in Georgia to meet family. READ: US releases former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from prison“I saw a boatload of text messages and calls. She helped pushed the effort forward last February when she personally delivered a letter to then-President Donald Trump asking for clemency. He served seven years, close to eight years, being away from his family away and from his mother.”READ: Key people in Kwame Kilpatrick’s life and career: Where are they now? “I believe Kwame Kilpatrick will be an excellent example of redemption and grace.”PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Key people in Kwame Kilpatrick’s life and career: Where are they now?
Read full article: Key people in Kwame Kilpatrick’s life and career: Where are they now?DETROIT – Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was officially released from prison Wednesday evening, serving only seven of his 28-year prison sentence before it was cut short. In granting clemency, Trump called for prison officials to immediately release Kilpatrick. Over the years, Local 4 has seen photos posted from Kilpatrick’s sons on social media as they visited their father in prison. While he is released, Kilpatrick is still responsible to pay his $4.7 million in restitution, according to a clemency grant obtained by Local 4 Defenders. Kilpatrick’s mother, former U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, has since moved from Detroit to Georgia.
US releases former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from prison
Read full article: US releases former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from prisonFILE - In this May 25, 2010 file photo, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick sits in a Detroit courtroom. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)DETROIT – Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who has served more than seven years of a 28-year prison sentence for corruption crimes, was released from federal prison Wednesday after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence, a Bureau of Prisons spokesman told The Associated Press. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Democrat and frequent Trump critic, welcomed the news of a commutation. “Kwame Kilpatrick is a person of great talent who still has much to contribute,” Duggan said. This is a decision President Trump got right.”Kilpatrick’s first term as mayor was marred by accusations of misuse of city funds on personal extravagance.
Detroit pastor reacts to commutation of former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick
Read full article: Detroit pastor reacts to commutation of former Mayor Kwame KilpatrickDETROIT – Bishop J. Drew Sheard with Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ said the recent news of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick being released from prison is good news. UPDATE: US releases former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from prisonIn 2013, Kilpatrick was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison after he was convicted of racketeering, mail fraud, wire fraud and more charges. Several well-known pastors, like Bishop Sheard, Bishop T.D. Ellis said he thought Trump would have made his decision during the election season.
Detroit Mayor Duggan on Kwame Kilpatrick’s commutation: ‘This is a decision President Trump got right’
Read full article: Detroit Mayor Duggan on Kwame Kilpatrick’s commutation: ‘This is a decision President Trump got right’FILE - In this March 11, 2013, file photo, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick leaves federal court after being convicted in Detroit, of corruption charges. (David Coates/Detroit News via AP, File)DETROIT – Current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan supports President Trump’s decision to commute former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s prison sentence. Kilpatrick has served seven years of a 28-year federal prison sentence for a long list of charges including racketeering and bribery. Here’s the original Kilpatrick commutation statement from the White House:“President Trump commuted the sentence of the former Mayor of Detroit, Kwame Malik Kilpatrick. Thankfully, under Michigan law, he cannot hold state or local public office for 20 years after his conviction.”More: Kwame Kilpatrick section
Kwame Kilpatrick among long list of Trump commutations, pardons on last day
Read full article: Kwame Kilpatrick among long list of Trump commutations, pardons on last dayFormer Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was just seven years into a 28-year federal prison sentence when President Trump decided to allow him to walk free Tuesday night. It was Trump’s final night in the White House before he leaves Wednesday to make way for President-elect Joe Biden and his new administration. Here’s the statement from the White House:“President Trump commuted the sentence of the former Mayor of Detroit, Kwame Malik Kilpatrick. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider was definitely not in support of a shortened sentence or pardon for Kilpatrick. Kwame Kilpatrick has earned every day he served in federal prison for the horrible crimes he committed against the People of Detroit.
Detroit man fights for freedom after nearly 50 years in prison for crime he says he didn’t commit
Read full article: Detroit man fights for freedom after nearly 50 years in prison for crime he says he didn’t commitDETROIT – Ray Gray has been in prison for nearly 50 years, one of Michigan’s longest serving inmates. For decades, Barbara Rinehart dreamed about the day her husband walks out of prison as a free man. He’s been filling canvases with wonder ever since, but a talented prison artist is just part of Gray’s story. But the cell remained locked tight, even after the intervention of Ellis Stafford, the deputy director of the Detroit Crime Commission who is convinced of Gray’s innocence. “He’ll fight to prove his innocence when he’s out if that’s what it takes but he won’t confess to something he didn’t do.”
Metro Detroit businessman sentenced to 2 years in prison for tax crimes
Read full article: Metro Detroit businessman sentenced to 2 years in prison for tax crimesDETROIT – A Walled Lake business owner was sentenced to two years in prison on Tuesday, the Department of Justice announced. As the owner of Bayside, Semma was responsible for collecting and paying to the IRS Bayside’s employment taxes. He also did not pay approximately $1.3 million in employment taxes that were due. In 2012, Semma sold The Coliseum for approximately $5.9 million, but did not file an individual income tax return or pay taxes for that year. Semma previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 28, 2019, to one count of employment tax fraud and one count of failure to file his individual income tax return.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer commutes sentences for 4 men serving decades in prison for nonviolent crimes
Read full article: Michigan Gov. Whitmer commutes sentences for 4 men serving decades in prison for nonviolent crimesGretchen Whitmer has commuted the sentences of four men who were spending decades in prison for nonviolent crimes. He’s served 22 years, and his earliest possible release date was in 2038. He’s served 21 years, and his earliest possible release date was in 2030. He’s served 22 years, and his earliest possible release date was in 2027. He’s served 16 years, and his earliest possible release date was in 2024.
Cayman Islands jails US college student in coronavirus case
Read full article: Cayman Islands jails US college student in coronavirus caseSAN JUAN – A U.S. college student and her boyfriend have been sentenced to four months in prison in the Cayman Islands for violating strict COVID-19 measures following a recent ruling that will be appealed, their attorney said Thursday. Skylar Mack, 18, of Georgia, and Vanjae Ramgeet, 24, of the Cayman Islands, have been in prison since Tuesday, when the ruling was issued. After their arrest, a judge ruled the couple had to provide 40 hours of community service and pay a $4,400 fine. Under the original law, a Canadian couple found guilty of violating coronavirus measures were ordered to pay a $1,200 fine each. The Cayman Islands, a territory of nearly 62,000 people, has reported more than 300 coronavirus cases and two deaths.
Lawyers: 2nd US inmate scheduled to be executed has COVID-19
Read full article: Lawyers: 2nd US inmate scheduled to be executed has COVID-19CHICAGO – A second federal inmate scheduled to be put to death next month in a series of executions by the Trump administration has tested positive for COVID-19, his lawyers said Friday. Johnson’s lawyers, Donald Salzman and Ronald Tabak, called on federal authorities to strike their client’s current execution date of Jan. 14. It has executed more people in a single year than any other administration in more than 130 years. The Bureau of Prisons confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday that inmates held on federal death row — known as the Special Confinement Unit — have tested positive for COVID-19. As of Thursday, there were more than 300 inmates with confirmed cases of COVID-19 at FCC Terre Haute.
Waterford Township woman released 20 months after conviction in husband’s death
Read full article: Waterford Township woman released 20 months after conviction in husband’s deathWATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Waterford Township woman who spent 20 months in prison after being convicted of manslaughter in her husband’s death has been released. Tin Talbot’s family members lined up to wait for her release Tuesday morning, but not everyone is happy she’s out of prison. Talbot was released at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday after spending 20 months -- the minimum sentence from her conviction -- in prison. She was granted parole and released after exactly 20 months. READ: Waterford Township woman details alleged abuse she endured before killing her husbandSzczepanowicz’s family wasn’t happy about the plea deal or Talbot’s parole.
Waterford Township woman convicted in 2018 death of husband released from prison
Read full article: Waterford Township woman convicted in 2018 death of husband released from prisonWATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Waterford Township woman convicted of manslaughter in the shooting death of her husband was released from prison Tuesday morning. (WDIV)On Sept. 14, 2018, she told a judge that she shot Szczepanowicz while fearing for the lives of her son and herself. READ: Waterford Township woman details alleged abuse she endured before killing her husbandIn July, Talbot told supporters from behind bars that she was told she would be paroled on Nov. 17, which is exactly 20 months. Supporters have been calling on the state to free Talbot, while Szczepanowicz’s family has petitioned for her to stay locked up. READ: Waterford Township woman who killed husband, citing years of abuse, granted paroleWatch the report from July 21, 2020, below:
Trust Index fact check: What Trump said about Michigan governor’s husband, ‘prison’ lockdown
Read full article: Trust Index fact check: What Trump said about Michigan governor’s husband, ‘prison’ lockdownThere was quick mention of Michigan during Thursday night’s final presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The President once again compared Michigan’s coronavirus pandemic lockdown to a “prison," just as he did in the first presidential debate. “Take a look at what’s happening with your friend in Michigan, where her husband’s the only one allowed to do anything. It’s been like a prison,” Trump said during Thursday night’s round. Read back: Fact-checking Biden-Trump debate claims about economy, MichiganMore fact checks from the final presidential debate:Presidential Town Hall fact checks from the Trust Index:First Presidential debate fact checks from the Trust Index:
2 Michigan adults, 1 teen accused in prison drug smuggling plot
Read full article: 2 Michigan adults, 1 teen accused in prison drug smuggling plotCOLDWATER, Mich. – Two adults and a teenager have been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into a southern Michigan prison, according to Michigan State Police. The alleged plot at Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater was discovered on Saturday, authorities said. Prison officials asked state police to investigate. A 33-year-old Adrian woman, her 15-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old man, also from Adrian, were arrested and hit with multiple felony charges. The teen was turned over a family member and Child Protective Services was called.
Inmates take control of unit at Chippewa Correctional Facility in U.P.
Read full article: Inmates take control of unit at Chippewa Correctional Facility in U.P.KINCHELOE, Mich. – Inmates at the Chippewa Correctional Facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have taken control of a unit. Officers used a taser on an inmate involved. When that inmate was being taken away in an ambulance, other prisoners left their cells and forced the officers out. They then took control of the unit in the prison, not letting anyone else inside. Additional authorities are helping in the efforts to take control of the situation.
Report: Nearly half of Muskegon Correctional Facility has COVID-19
Read full article: Report: Nearly half of Muskegon Correctional Facility has COVID-19DETROIT – Almost half of the men incarcerated at a western Michigan prison have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), according to a newspaper report. Roughly 47%, or 612 of 1,296 prisoners at Muskegon Correctional Facility, have tested positive as of last Thursday, according to the Detroit Free Press. Since March, 4,620 of 37,497 state prisoners have tested positive and 68 prisoners have died. We have conducted multiple rounds of testing at Muskegon, including testing prisoners who previously tested negative yesterday. We have also offered multiple rounds of testing to staff with additional staff testing next week.
Master Bob Bashara dies; convicted in wifes 2012 death
Read full article: Master Bob Bashara dies; convicted in wifes 2012 deathWHITMORE LAKE, Mich. Robert Bashara, a former Rotary Club president in suburban Detroit who was convicted of arranging his wifes murder, has died, more than five years after he was sentenced to life in prison, the Corrections Department said Tuesday. Bashara, 62, died Monday at a hospital, said spokesman Chris Gautz, who declined to offer additional details. Bashara, known as Master Bob, was accused of hiring a handyman to kill Jane Bashara so he could devote more time to cavorting with other women who shared his desire for sexual bondage and domination. Jane Bashara was strangled in their garage in Grosse Pointe Park in 2012. Timeline: Jane Bashara murder case
Whitmer order requires COVID-19 testing in Michigan prison, jails
Read full article: Whitmer order requires COVID-19 testing in Michigan prison, jailsGretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Saturday requiring jails and prisons to test inmates for COVID-19 when they enter, transfer from or are released from their facilities. The order also requires jails to adopt testing protocols comparable to those at the Michigan Department of Corrections before they can transfer prisoners to state facilities. By reducing the spread of COVID-19 in prisons and jails, we protect corrections officers and their families, incarcerated people, and the whole community, Whitmer said. The state will provide support for testing by jails through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, it said. The order was issued as the Department of Corrections deals with 435 active COVID-19 cases, its largest spike since the spring.
How a Michigan woman went from federal prison back to running her own business
Read full article: How a Michigan woman went from federal prison back to running her own businessDETROIT A Michigan womans path took her from real estate success to federal prison -- but that sentence wasnt the ending of her story. She was caught up in a scandal of her own making in 2008 as a building real estate mogul. Federal authorities caught on to her scheme and she was sentenced to federal prison. Now, she has left behind her rap sheet and gone back to real estate building numerous revenue streams. Her real estate company has sold more than 600 properties.
Detroit historian: White Boy Rick Wershe prison release way overdue
Read full article: Detroit historian: White Boy Rick Wershe prison release way overdueDETROIT Richard White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. is set to be released from prison on Monday after 32 years behind bars. Wershe was only 14 years old when he was recruited by the FBI in Detroit as a highly-paid, drug-dealing informant. Though the story of White Boy Rick has been well-shared across Metro Detroit for decades, the story also made national headlines over the years. Burstein even served as a consultant for the White Boy Rick film. When you add in the factors of all the mitigating circumstances considering that he was recruited out of eight grade and turned into a drug dealer, the U.S. government actually created the persona that is White Boy Rick, Burnstein added.
White Boy Rick Wershe is free man after 32 years behind bars
Read full article: White Boy Rick Wershe is free man after 32 years behind barsRichard White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. is now a free man after 32 years behind bars. Richard Wershe Jr.Read more: How White Boy Rick became an informant, drug dealer in DetroitIn 1987, Wershe was arrested for possessing cocaine in excess of eight kilograms. Burstein even served as a consultant for the White Boy Rick film. Watch the full documentary here to learn the story of White Boy Rick.Related: White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. denied clemency in FloridaWhite Boy Rick the Hollywood filmA film based on his life titled White Boy Rick was released Sept. 14, 2018. Matthew McConaughey starred as Richards father, Richard Wershe Sr.Watch: White Boy Rick weighs in on movieMore: Former Detroit hitman wants White Boy Rick to be released from prison
Video shows Richard Wershe Jr. leaving Florida prison
Read full article: Video shows Richard Wershe Jr. leaving Florida prisonIn this video above, you can see Richard Wershe Jr., a.k.a. White Boy Rick, behind the prison gate using a sheet to hide his face after his release from prison. In the video, Wershe is sitting in the back seat of a BMW sport utility vehicle. He was then transferred to a Florida prison because of a crime he committed while behind bars in Michigan. Read more: White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. to return to Metro Detroit after release
White Boy Rick Wershe released from prison after 32 years
Read full article: White Boy Rick Wershe released from prison after 32 yearsDETROIT White Boy Rick Wershe, imprisoned for selling drugs as a teenager more than 30 years ago, was released Monday. VIDEO: Richard Wershe Jr. leaves Florida prisonAttorney Ralph Musilli has fought for Wershes freedom for years. When officials didnt need him anymore, he sold drugs and became known as White Boy Rick.FULL COVERAGE: The story of White Boy RickHe got caught dealing drugs and was sentenced to life in prison, but after 30 years, he was released. Wershe spent additional time in a Florida prison for committing felonies behind bars. Former FBI agent John Anthony told Local 4 that Wershe helped expose police corruption and got a raw deal.
White Boy Rick Wershe to be freed today: Follow updates here
Read full article: White Boy Rick Wershe to be freed today: Follow updates hereRichard White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. is now set to be released from a Florida halfway house on Monday, July 20. Richard Wershe Jr. mugshot for Florida Department of Corrections (Florida Department of Corrections)The story of White Boy Rick'Wershe was the longest-serving nonviolent juvenile offender in Michigan history. Richard Wershe Jr.Read more: How White Boy Rick became an informant, drug dealer in DetroitIn 1987, Wershe was arrested for possessing cocaine in excess of eight kilograms. Read more: White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. to return to Metro Detroit after releaseRelated: White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. denied clemency in FloridaWhite Boy Rick the Hollywood filmA film based on his life titled White Boy Rick was released Sept. 14, 2018. Matthew McConaughey starred as Richards father, Richard Wershe Sr.Watch: White Boy Rick weighs in on movieMore: Former Detroit hitman wants White Boy Rick to be released from prison
The story of White Boy Rick enters new chapter -- hes out of prison Monday
Read full article: The story of White Boy Rick enters new chapter -- hes out of prison MondayRichard White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. is now set to be released from a Florida halfway house on Monday, July 20. Richard Wershe Jr.Read more: How White Boy Rick became an informant, drug dealer in DetroitIn 1987, Wershe was arrested for possessing cocaine in excess of eight kilograms. He was then transferred to a Florida prison because of a crime he committed while behind bars in Michigan. Related: White Boy Rick Wershe Jr. denied clemency in FloridaWhite Boy Rick the Hollywood filmA film based on his life titled White Boy Rick was released Sept. 14, 2018. Matthew McConaughey starred as Richards father, Richard Wershe Sr.Watch: White Boy Rick weighs in on movieMore: Former Detroit hitman wants White Boy Rick to be released from prison
Faith leaders call for Kwame Kilpatrick sentence commutation
Read full article: Faith leaders call for Kwame Kilpatrick sentence commutationDETROIT Another push began Friday to shorten the sentence for former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Ebony Magazine gathered dozens of faith leaders from around the country and many voiced their opinions on why Kilpatrick should be released from prison. ORIGINAL STORY: Kwame Kilpatrick supporters call for sentence commutationIts been more than seven years since the former mayor was sentenced to 28 years. In 2013, Kilpatrick was convicted on 24 federal felony counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud, and racketeering. Read more: 7 years ago: Kwame Kilpatrick is convicted on 24 federal felony counts
Live today: Kwame Kilpatrick supporters call for sentence commutation
Read full article: Live today: Kwame Kilpatrick supporters call for sentence commutationA group pushing for former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatricks prison sentence to be commuted and debts to be forgiven is holding a virtual news conference Friday morning. Their news conference is calling for the commutation of Kilpatricks sentence and debt forgiveness for thousands of Black farmers. Heres a statement from EBONY:"Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2013. He filed another motion in 2017 to vacate his prison sentence, and that was denied by a district court judge. Read more: 7 years ago: Kwame Kilpatrick is convicted on 24 federal felony counts
Michigan man being detained in Russia undergoes emergency surgery, family says
Read full article: Michigan man being detained in Russia undergoes emergency surgery, family saysThe family of a Michigan man being detained in Russia on suspicion of being a spy said he has undergone emergency hernia surgery. He took a turn for the worse and was transferred Friday for emergency surgery, his family said. We learned early this morning from the U.S. Embassy that Pauls health had taken a turn for the worse. The prison transferred him to Sklifosovsky hospital where doctors performed an emergency hernia surgery. We continue to be concerned for Pauls health, particularly now that, as he recuperates, he may be more susceptible to other illnesses or infections.
Federal Bureau of Prisons denies former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatricks early release
Read full article: Federal Bureau of Prisons denies former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatricks early releaseDETROIT Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will not be released early because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced. The bureau reviewed Kilpatricks request for home confinement, and it was denied, officials said. Kilpatrick will remain incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution-I in Oakdale, Louisiana, according to authorities.
Kwame Kilpatrick denied early prison release: Heres everything we know
Read full article: Kwame Kilpatrick denied early prison release: Heres everything we knowDETROIT Last week, family members and supporters of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick were certain he would be released from federal prison next month. Kilpatrick will not be released from prison early because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced. Multiple sources close to the Kilpatrick family said the Department of Justice was on board with considering a compassionate release. Those in Kilpatricks inner circle believed he would get out to begin home confinement, likely at his sisters home in Atlanta. PREVIOUS: Mayor Mike Duggan, other Detroiters react to news of possible Kwame Kilpatrick releaseThe Kilpatrick family asked for his release because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Kwame Kilpatrick supporters angry over decision not to grant him early prison release
Read full article: Kwame Kilpatrick supporters angry over decision not to grant him early prison releaseDETROIT Supporters of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick are angry about the decision by the Federal Bureau of Prisons not to grant him an early prison release. Kilpatrick denied early release: Heres everything we knowA decision was all but guaranteed by Kilpatricks family and supporters, but on Tuesday night, federal officials announced his request was denied. Shes been a Kilpatrick supporter and was convinced last week that he would soon be a free man. Last night, when the Federal Bureau of Prisons made its decision, Kilpatrick supporter Angela Stanton King, attorney Norman Yatoomah, who represents the family of Tamara Green, both offered their thoughts. You can hear their statements, as well as what Local 4 legal expert Keith Corbett had to say, in the video posted above.
Family believes former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will be released from prison next month
Read full article: Family believes former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will be released from prison next monthDETROIT Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been put in a 21-day quarantine at the Oakdale Federal Detention Center, and family members believe he will be released in June. In February, Kilpatricks family and a consortium of politicians, religious leaders and business leaders lobbied President Donald Trump for a commutation of his sentence. More recently, the Kilpatrick family has been asking for his release because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Kilpatrick has been sending regular emails to his family about the conditions in prison and the possibility of a release. Last night, reports began to surface that Kilpatricks release was imminent because of the coronavirus.
Everything weve heard about possible early prison release for Kwame Kilpatrick
Read full article: Everything weve heard about possible early prison release for Kwame KilpatrickReports started surfacing Thursday night that a Kilpatrick release from federal prison was imminent, not the original commutation of the sentence from Trump. Multiple sources close to the Kilpatrick family have confirmed that the Department of Justice was on board with considering a compassionate release. On Friday morning, an email was sent out from the Ebony Foundation, congratulating Kilpatrick on his release from federal prison. If Kilpatrick is given a compassionate release, he would go through a period of home confinement, and then supervised release. He was eventually moved to a low-security federal prison in New Jersey, and then again to Oakdale FCI.
Wayne County prosecutor seeks victims of inmates who will soon be released from prison -- See a list of names here
Read full article: Wayne County prosecutor seeks victims of inmates who will soon be released from prison -- See a list of names hereDETROIT – Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy is seeking victims of prisoners who will soon be paroled so they can be properly notified. According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, MDOC began sending letters to the office early last month about paroling prisoners because of the COVID-19 outbreak. In any given month, MDOC paroles just under 700 prisoners a month. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s over 700 and closer to 800. READ: Hundreds of inmates released from Metro Detroit county jailsAt the county jails in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, officials have been reviewing the cases of inmates who would not be a danger to the public if released.
Wayne County prosecutor seeks victims of inmates who will soon be released from prison
Read full article: Wayne County prosecutor seeks victims of inmates who will soon be released from prisonWayne County prosecutor seeks victims of inmates who will soon be released from prisonPublished: May 5, 2020, 11:12 pmWayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy is seeking victims of prisoners who will soon be paroled so they can be properly notified.
Michigan Department of Corrections halts visitations at state prisons amid coronavirus concerns
Read full article: Michigan Department of Corrections halts visitations at state prisons amid coronavirus concernsThe Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has banned all in-person visitations at state prisons amid the state’s rapidly increasing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. “This was not a decision we arrived at lightly, as we understand and recognize the importance of family contact with the prison population,” said MDOC Director Heidi Washington. “Our primary concern has to be public safety and reducing the number of people who enter our facilities is a key factor in limiting the potential spread of this illness into our prisoner population.”Update March 12, 2021: Michigan prisons resuming visits for first time in a yearMichigan prisons are taking measures to ensure the safety of their staff, prisoners and the public, officials said. Prisons are conducting screening questions and temperature checks on all employees before their shifts, and cleaning the facilities more frequently, according to officials. AdPrison staff and visitors can sign up for informative alerts from their facility at MDOC’s website here.
Michigan inmate back in prison after mistaken Ohio release
Read full article: Michigan inmate back in prison after mistaken Ohio releaseDETROIT, Mich. – A Michigan inmate who was mistakenly released after being transferred to Ohio to face drug charges is back behind bars after more than a week on the lam, prison officials said over the weekend. Talleon S. Brazil, 31, was captured at a house in Detroit on Saturday by the Michigan Department of Corrections Absconder Recovery Unit after several days of surveillance, according to a department news release. “We are glad this case came to a quick resolution,” Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington said in the release. Michigan officials handed him over to Ohio authorities on Jan. 14 to face drug charges in Scioto County on the condition that he be locked up while in Ohio, then returned to Michigan. Brazil could face new charges for trying to avoid capture following his release in Ohio, the weekend news release said.
Kwame Kilpatrick loses another appeal to get out of federal prison
Read full article: Kwame Kilpatrick loses another appeal to get out of federal prisonDETROIT – Kwame Kilpatrick has been denied his latest application to appeal his federal prison sentence. The former Detroit mayor was sentenced to a term of 28 years in prison back in 2013 after he was found guilty on 24 of 30 counts, including racketeering. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals had denied his original appeal of his conviction and sentence. He filed another motion in 2017 to vacate his prison sentence, and that was denied by a district court judge. Part of Kilpatrick’s argument that the district court judge was “biased” involved a wedding card.