Home of Well-Known Detroit News Anchor Searched by Police

A longtime Detroit TV reporter is on administrative leave after police executed a search warrant at his home.

Hank Winchester, an investigative consumer reporter with WDIV-TV (Local 4), is known for his “Help Me Hank” segment, which focuses on cases of consumer fraud. Before joining WDIV 24 years ago, Winchester worked at CBS affiliate WNEM-TV 5 in the Flint/Saginaw market, as well as at stations in Lansing and Marquette.

Why Police Searched the Home

According to WJBK-TV, police searched Winchester’s home on June 13 after a warrant was issued by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

The warrant followed a claim from a man who alleged that Winchester made unwanted sexual advances toward him during a massage. The station reports that electronics were seized from Winchester’s home. Sources tell WJBK that Winchester is currently studying massage therapy.

What the Station and Attorney Are Saying

WDIV-TV’s vice president and general manager issued a brief statement noting that the station is aware of the investigation and has placed Winchester on administrative leave. His biography remains on the station’s website.

Winchester’s attorney, Todd Flood, also issued a statement regarding the investigation:

“Hank has spent decades bringing truth to our community and fighting for our citizens. Because he holds a high-profile position in our community, that can at times generate false accusations. This investigation will end where it began — nowhere.”

No further details about the investigation have been released. Charges have not been filed, and a warrant for charges has not been submitted to the prosecutor.