Shockwaves are rippling through Detroit as veteran TV journalist Hank Winchester finds himself at the center of a scandal.
The longtime WDIV-TV Local 4 reporter and consumer advocate had his home searched by police after explicit allegations surfaced involving a massage therapy session that allegedly took a disturbing turn.
Why was Hank Winchester’s home searched?
According to law enforcement, police executed a search warrant at Winchester’s home on June 13.
According to the authorities, Winchester allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward a man in a massage therapy session. Investigators seized electronics and other items from the residence as part of their probe into the troubling accusations.
Winchester has been a familiar and trusted face in Detroit for over two decades. Known for his popular “Help Me Hank” segments, he stands up for consumer rights and uncovers corporate misconduct.
But now, the tables have turned, and Winchester is under scrutiny himself—this time not as a journalist, but as the subject of a criminal investigation.
Winchester’s work fallout
The fallout was swift. WDIV-TV has confirmed that Winchester is currently on administrative leave while the station monitors developments in the case. Station Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis issued a statement saying they are respecting both the investigative process and Winchester’s privacy.
For now, Winchester remains off the air, with his future at the station uncertain pending the outcome of the police investigation.
Winchester’s defense: “This investigation will end where it began—nowhere.”
Winchester’s attorney, Todd Flood, offered a forceful defense of his client.
Flood emphasized Winchester’s longstanding commitment to Detroit journalism and called the allegations misleading and potentially fabricated.
In a statement to local media, he said, “This investigation will end where it began—nowhere,” expressing confidence that no charges will ultimately be filed. He added that Winchester is cooperating fully with investigators and has nothing to hide.
No charges have been filed
As of this writing, there are no formal charges, and no indication that prosecutors have received a request for charges from law enforcement. Still, the search and surrounding media coverage have cast a cloud over Winchester’s previously unblemished public image.
The case has stirred buzz not just because of the nature of the allegations, but because of Winchester’s visibility in the community. A fixture on WDIV since 2001, he’s been a recognizable and reassuring presence on local television, often seen out in the community and even linked socially to public figures such as former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
For now, Detroit’s once-untouchable consumer watchdog is off the air and under investigation. Whether Hank Winchester will return to Local 4 remains to be seen. The allegations and police search have already made this one of the most shocking twists in Detroit media in recent memory.
Published: Jun 19, 2025 12:27 pm