Kelly Stafford’s podcast partner, Hank Winchester, rejoined the program after being cleared in a sexual misconduct probe.
“I can share that an allegation was made against me,” Winchester explained. “Law enforcement has a duty in situations like this to look into the claim. But they also should spend time looking into the person behind that claim. That’s one major lesson I’ve taken from this.”
Authorities executed a search warrant at Winchester’s house on June 13 after accusations he made sexual advances during a massage, resulting in electronics being taken. At the time, Winchester was reportedly training in massage therapy.
He revealed on Monday that investigators carried out a “thorough and necessary” review, which included him voluntarily undergoing two polygraph exams that he said he passed “with flying colors.”
“I’m grateful to finally be past this, 100 percent cleared. No charges filed,” Winchester said. “The facts spoke on their own. But I’ll admit, it was a draining and emotional journey.”
Winchester admitted the drawn-out ordeal was “overwhelming,” saying he mostly avoided social media and stayed out of the spotlight while everything unfolded.
“It drives you mad, because you want to shout from the rooftops and say, ‘Here’s the truth, everyone,’” he explained. “But you can’t. You have to let the process happen and handle it responsibly. Still, it’s so tough in a moment like that.”
Kelly, 36, welcomed Winchester’s podcast comeback with an emotional introduction during Monday’s episode.
She continued, “Sometimes the comments and us constantly messaging you can feel overwhelming. But I hope you realized how deeply you are valued and loved. Because you are. It’s about the kind of person you are, Hank. I want to make that absolutely clear. You’re truly one of a kind.”
Winchester, also an investigative reporter for WDIV in Detroit, had earlier spoken out on Friday, August 15, when the case was formally closed.
“I’m relieved this investigation has ended,” he stated. “The claims against me were ridiculous, false, and damaging. For 24 years in Detroit, my mission has been to serve the community I care for, protect you from wrongdoing, and fight for fairness. I’ll always continue that mission—just as I recently had to fight for myself.”
He added, “I want to thank everyone who offered me tremendous encouragement, especially my family and close friends. The supportive messages from so many of you truly carried me through this extremely difficult period.”
