Longtime Friend of Matthew Stafford Has Home Searched by Police

Detroit TV reporter has home searched amid allegations.
A Federal Protective Service police vehicle sits on Commercial Street NE on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, in Salem, Ore.
A Federal Protective Service police vehicle sits on Commercial Street NE on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, in Salem, Ore. / Kevin Neri/Statesman Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Local television reporter Hank Winchester, who is a longtime friend of Matthew Stafford and is the co-host of "The Morning After Podcast," has been placed on administrative leave by a Detroit television station after his home was searched by police.

According to Fox 2, "Sources tell FOX 2 the accusations against him stem from alleged sexual advances he made to a man during a massage. Electronics were seized from the house. The search warrant, approved by a judge, came after a man reported to police that Winchester allegedly made unwanted sexual advances towards him during a massage."

Local 4 released a statement indicating that the investigative reporter is currently on leave.

"We are aware of an external investigation involving Hank Winchester. Currently, he is on administrative leave. To respect his privacy, there is no further comment at this time."

Todd Flood, Winchester's attorney, also released a statement regarding the accusations made against his client.

"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."

As a close friend of the Staffords, Winchester had been granted access to interview the popular quarterback and his wife during his tenure as the Lions' starting signal-caller.

The popular "Help Me Hank" segments have assisted consumers locally who have felt taken advantage of by the service industry.

Official charges have not been filed, and reportedly no warrant has yet been sent to prosecutors.

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!