Rob Wolchek is a investigative reporter who worked for WJBK-TV Fox 2 News in Detroit, Michigan from 1997 to 2026. He is well known for his "Hall of Shame" segments.
Career Wolchek began his broadcasting career in 1978 as a DJ in Farmington, New Mexico at KRAZ, a country music station. He worked in radio as a disc jockey for many years before moving on to become news reporter for stations in Fresno and Bakersfield.https://www.fox2detroit.com/person/w/rob-wolchek
He got his first break in television covering the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco. His first full-time television job was at KGET-TV in Bakersfield, California. He won awards for his role as the "Scambuster" at KJEO-TV (now KGPE) in Fresno, including his first Emmy.https://www.fox2detroit.com/person/w/rob-wolchek He is the winner of more than 25 regional Emmy awards.National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences natasmichigan.org http://www.mi-nta.org/EmmyWinnerslist09.pdf
Wolchek has been at WJBK television since 1997. He is known best known for his "Hall of Shame" segment and has exposed many scams and frauds.Albom, Mitch http://m.freep.com/detail.jsp?key=729606&rc=bz&full=1 "Chrysler Workers face Tale of the Tape" Detroit Free Press September 26, 2010 In 2005, he exposed a TV talent show producer that promised young models and actors prizes that didn't materialize. The producer fled Michigan after the story aired and soon surfaced in Cleveland running a similar scam.Meiser, Rebecca https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/reality-bites/Content?oid=1493272 Cleveland Scene "Reality Bites" December 21, 2005 In 2013, Wolchek investigated Survivor star Michael Skupin for running what appeared to be a Ponzi scheme called Pay it Forward. In 2016, Skupin was convicted of Larceny by conversion and four counts of possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material when investigators found child pornography on his computer while investigating Pay it Forward. Skupin was sentenced to one to four years in state prison.
In December 2025, Wolchek announced his retirement to start in March of next year
Chrysler Workers "Busted on the Job" story In September 2010, Wolchek's "Busted on the Job" investigation made national and international news.Chapman, Mary M. Chrysler Fires Employees in Drinking Video New York Times Sept. 28, 2010 The story exposed several Chrysler auto workers drinking and smoking what appeared to be marijuana during their lunch break and then heading back into Detroit's Jefferson North Assembly Plant. Chrysler acknowledged the validity of the story after viewing hidden camera video and fired 13 workers shortly after the story aired.Silke Carty, Sharon Chrysler Fired UAW Workers Caught Drinking, Smoking Pot USA Today Sept 27, 2010
Wolchek was featured on several national news programs discussing the story, including Varney & Co., hosted by Stuart Varney on the Fox Business Network and America Live with Megyn Kelly on Fox News Channel.myfoxdetroit staff http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/busted-workers-wolchek-on-fox-news-20100924-wpms "Busted Workers: Wolchek on Fox News" September 24, 2010 myfoxdetroit.com The story was also picked up by The Drudge Report, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and ABC, MSNBC, CBS News, among others.http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/auto_news/buzzed-chrysler-workers-drawing-national-attention_20100924_dk "Buzzed Chrysler Workers Drawing National Attention" September 24, 2010 myfoxdetroit.com Comedian Jay Leno used some of the story in his monologue on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.Russel, Kim http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=517078 "Report on Auto Workers Busted Drinking Mid-shift gets National Attention" September 25, 2010 Connect Mid Michigan NBC 25
In July 2011, Wolchek again turned his cameras on slacking auto workers. This time, he confronted several caught drinking and smoking what appeared to be marijuana near Chrysler's Trenton Engine plant. Chrysler immediately suspended nine workers without pay.
Wolchek's report on Tower Defense and Aerospace made international news in November 2011. The investigation showed workers who build parts for armored vehicles like the Stryker for use in overseas military operations drinking and smoking marijuana near the plant then returning to work. The company suspended 17 workers identified in the investigative report.
Personal life Rob and his wife have two sons, Scott and Jack.. Scott is a reporter at Fox 2 in Detroit, along with Rob. Scott had a son, Rowan David Wolcheck, in March 2024, making Rob and his wife grandparents. Jack graduated from the Fire Academy in May 2024.https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/its-a-boy-fox-2-reporter-scott-wolchek-welcomes-his-firstbornhttps://www.facebook.com/robwolchekreporter/posts/my-son-jack-graduated-from-the-fire-academy-im-super-proud-of-him/989356385884742/https://deadlinedetroit.com/articles/31406/son_of_fox_2_reporter_rob_wolchek_joins_the_detroit_station
References
External links MyFOX Detroit