WDIV-TV acknowledged the existence of an “external investigation” Wednesday night involving reporter Hank Winchester after authorities confirmed his home was searched last week.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Steve Huber said officers provided support to Beverly Hills police as they executed a search warrant on June 13 at Winchester’s Beverly Hills home.
Huber deferred further comment to the Beverly Hills Police Department, which is leading the investigation. Beverly Hills police didn’t immediately return calls seeking additional details.
“Hank has spent decades bringing truth to our community and fighting for our citizens,” Winchester’s attorney, Todd Flood, said in a statement. “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.”
WDIV confirmed in a statement that Winchester had been placed on leave.
“While the investigation is ongoing — we won’t make any further comments,” said Bob Ellis, vice president and general manager of WDIV (Channel 4), in a statement.
Winchester is WDIV’s Emmy award-winning consumer investigative reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” consumer unit. He’s been with the outlet since 2001, serving as a reporter and anchor, according to his station biography.
Winchester is a longtime friend of former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, now a member of the Los Angeles Rams, as well as Stafford’s wife, Kelly. Winchester hosts a podcast with Kelly Stafford, “The Morning After,” in which the two discuss their respective families and careers.
