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Hank Winchester (WDIV photo)
WDIV consumer reporter Hank Winchester, whose home was raided by Beverly Hills Police in June, has been cleared in a criminal investigation by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, which denied a warrant request by police for charges.
"On the facts of this case, it was concluded there was no cause to file any charges against Mr. Winchester," said Chief Prosecutor David Williams, according to the Detroit News. Beverly Hills Police confirmed to Deadline Detroit that the prosecutor's office denied its warrant request for charges.
Winchester, who has been on administrative leave from WDIV with pay since the raid, said in a statement Friday morning:
“I’m thankful this investigation is over. The allegations made against me were outrageous, unfounded, and defamatory. Throughout my 24-year career in Detroit, my mission has always been to help the community I love, protect you from bad actors, and fight for justice. I will always fight for you—just as I’ve recently had to fight for myself."
It's unclear what his future is at WDIV.
"This is a personnel matter that we’re handling internally and appropriately," WDIV General Manager Bob Ellis said in an email to Deadline Detroit. "We’ve reached out to Hank to discuss next steps. We have no further comment at this time."
Winchester, who took a leave after the raid from his podcast with Kelly Stafford, wife of quarterback Matt Stafford, will now return to the podcast "The Morning After with Kelly Stafford & Hank." The newest episode with Winchester will air Monday.
Authorities never disclosed the reason for the investigation, but Fox 2 in June reported that the allegation was that Winchester made an unwanted sexual advance during a massage.
One of his attorneys, Neil Rockind, said at a press conference Friday morning that Winchester had passed two separate polygraph tests in the matter, showing he had done nothing improper.
"Hank is the victim, and he has been victimized," Rockind said, noting it was first publicized by local TV station Fox 2.
"His home was invaded the same way that the police would pursue major criminals," Rockind said. "His door was kicked in. Since then, Hank has suffered. His loved ones, his family, his inner circle, and family and friends have suffered. Hank's reputation took a beating. He became the subject of online gossip and comments. His integrity was questioned."
Todd Flood holds up photo of the accuser.
At the end of the press conference, another one of his attorneys Todd Flood, held up a photo of the accuser, who is shown with a blurred face giving what appears to be a Nazi salute.
He said the man who lodged the complaint with police "had a motive, had an agenda, at least one can discern that."
He did not specify the motive or the specific allegation.
"I want to stop the speculation," Flood said about Winchester. "His reputation should have never been sullied."
WDIV colleague Rhonda Walker posted this on Facebook:
"I’m so relieved and thankful to share that my friend and colleague Hank Winchester has been fully exonerated of any wrongdoing in the false accusations against him. It’s been so painful for those who know and love him to see his career and reputation he worked so hard to build ripped away and if even for a few months while his attorneys defended him, the damage has been life changing for him and his family."
"Sending so much love and prayers to you Hank Winchester as you work to rebuild it back and even better and finally able to get back to enjoying life and your passion for helping others."
