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, 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.
Friday, April 19 2013 12:11 AM EDT2013-04-19 04:11:37 GMT
Some high school students are familiar with the "Halllllllllll of Shame' guy Rob Wolchek, but would they recognize a 'bait and switch' scam? Wolchek works to make some students wise to con artists.
Some high school students are familiar with the "Halllllllllll of Shame' guy Rob Wolchek, but would they recognize a 'bait and switch' scam? Wolchek works to make some students wise to con artists.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:03:31 GMT
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:54:31 GMT
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. The shooter, in a gold truck, is still on the loose.
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. We're told a group of 10 people were drinking and partying outside the house when a gold truck rolled down the street and started firing.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:52:35 GMT
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:33 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:33:58 GMT
This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
Should owners of dangerous dogs have to take out $1 million insurance policies? Are pit bull bans a good idea? Plus, should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
