By Rob Wolchek, Fox 2 News Investigative Reporter - email
DETROIT -- A member of the famed Winans gospel singing family has admitted he ripped people off. Michael Winans, Junior plead guilty in federal court Wednesday to wire fraud.
When asked outside of court if he had anything to say to his more than one thousand victims, he had no comment.
I first exposed Michael Winans, Junior in 2008 when victim after victim told me he was using his famous family name to convince them to invest the way rich people did. Winans claimed he was taking their money to invest in a Saudi oil bond.
Now he has admitted he knew the bond was fake, but kept lying to his victims to steal their money.
Winans is still living the good life now in Maryland where he is once again using the Winans name to his advantage. On his website, you can see him addressing young singers and songwriters acting like a big shot trying to sell his solo singing CDs.
But Mr. Big Shot is Mr. Big Not. He's now just another convicted felon.
Michael Winans, Junior is out on a $10,000 bond. He will be back in court to be sentenced in February. He could be sent to federal prison for 20 years and will most likely have to pay some restitution to his victims. He admitted to the judge he took in $8 million running the scheme.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 10:33 PM EDT2013-06-13 02:33:35 GMT
You have heard judges call for a short recess. Problem Solver Rob Wolchek found a judge whose recesses are anything but short. The Oakland County judge should have been on the bench. Instead, he was busted on the job.
You have heard judges call for a short recess. Problem Solver Rob Wolchek found a judge whose recesses are anything but short. The Oakland County judge should have been on the bench. Instead, he was busted on the job.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-15 21:46:32 GMT
Is it really that easy? You get someone's Social Security number and use it to get credit to buy things? Ask a woman in Southfield and she'll say "yes."
Is it really that easy? You get someone's Social Security number and use it to get credit to buy things? Ask a woman in Southfield and she'll say "yes."
Wednesday, May 8 2013 11:16 PM EDT2013-05-09 03:16:35 GMT
When it comes to garden hoses, the Pocket Hose is a real lightweight. Yet the makers claim it packs the same power as a full-size, heavy-duty rubber hose. We put it to a full-size, heavy-duty Fame or Shame test.
When it comes to garden hoses, the Pocket Hose is a real lightweight. Yet the makers claim it packs the same power as a full-size, heavy-duty rubber hose. We put it to a full-size, heavy-duty Fame or Shame test.
Monday, May 6 2013 8:40 PM EDT2013-05-07 00:40:36 GMT
Rob Wolchek first exposed Michael Winans, Junior for running a Ponzi scheme back in 2008. Now Winans is trying to get out of his 13 year prison sentence and taking donations for his legal defense fund.
A member of the famous Winans family convicted of wire fraud says "he's not a monster." Rob Wolchek first exposed Michael Winans, Junior for running a Ponzi scheme back in 2008. Now Winans is trying to get out of his 13 year prison sentence and taking donations for his legal defense fund.
Thursday, April 25 2013 10:58 PM EDT2013-04-26 02:58:44 GMT
A basketball tournament is a big deal. The kids on the teams practice. The parents change their schedules. The coaches get ready for a long weekend. Then they find out at the last minute the tournament is called off.
A basketball tournament is a big deal. The kids on the teams practice. The parents change their schedules. The coaches get ready for a long weekend. Then they find out at the last minute the tournament is called off.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:26:37 GMT
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:52:15 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:39:53 GMT
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:33 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:33:24 GMT
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults...
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults, as the clock ticked before lawmakers break for the summer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:21:00 GMT
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:03:28 GMT
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
