By Rob Wolchek, Fox 2 News Investigative Reporter -
Mark Gilson in court (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
He's accused of bilking tens of thousands of dollars from innocent people. Now he's fessing up to his crimes.
Problem Solver Rob Wolchek says Mark Gilson ripped off people for years, but it wasn't until he got a starring role in the Hall of Shame that lots of victims started coming forward and the police put the pieces together.
Just weeks after Rob's story aired, Redford Police arrested Gilson. He was charged with twelve felonies, including a habitual offender charge that would double his sentence.
Now he's finally going to get some hard time. The boy wonder of investment scams has taken a plea deal that will put him behind bars for quite awhile.
In exchange for his guilty plea, nine of the twelve charges against Gilson were dropped, including the habitual offender charge which saved him a lot of time in jail.
Gilson has also been charged in Livonia for domestic violence for a fight he allegedly had with his mother.
"Investment Boy" Mark Gilson will be back in court for his sentencing next month.
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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:33 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:33:20 GMT
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:53 GMT
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:51 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:51:26 GMT
The Metropolitan Opera says it's decided to disband its resident ballet company.
The Metropolitan Opera says it's decided to disband its resident ballet company. The American Guild of Musical Artists said the eight remaining dancers of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet have accepted buyout packages.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:06:47 GMT
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:28:23 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:43 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:43:15 GMT
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:35 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:35:00 GMT
Police say a 55-year-old woman is dead and two men are wounded following a shooting at a vacant Detroit residence believed to have been used for drug activity.
Police say a 55-year-old woman is dead and two men are wounded following a shooting at a vacant Detroit residence believed to have been used for drug activity.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:29 GMT
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:06:34 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:03:59 GMT
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:54 PM EDT2013-05-21 01:54:16 GMT
Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
He once said there was no shame in his game, but now Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:28:46 GMT
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
Wednesday, February 13 2013 3:00 PM EST2013-02-13 20:00:27 GMT
When you're locked out, the first locksmith you call usually gets the job. Problem Solver Rob Wolchek with what one company is doing to make sure they're always first on the phone.
You're in a panic. You're locked out of your car or your house. You're not going to do a lot of shopping around. Problem Solver Rob Wolchek says one company makes sure they're always first on the phone.
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.
Wednesday, March 27 2013 10:36 PM EDT2013-03-28 02:36:36 GMT
There's been a change of pace in a nice neighborhood where one piece of property stood out for years. But is the spring cleaning enough to get the owner out of the Hall of Shame?
There's been a change of pace in a nice neighborhood where one piece of property stood out for years. But is the spring cleaning enough to get the owner out of the Hall of Shame?
Wednesday, March 20 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-03-20 23:51:09 GMT
The feds bust a huge drug ring. They say it involved doctors who wrote bogus Medicare or Medicaid prescriptions for pain pills that ended up for sale by street gangs.
The feds bust a huge drug ring. They say it involved doctors who wrote bogus Medicare or Medicaid prescriptions for pain pills that ended up for sale by street gangs. The operation reached from the Motor City all the way to the southern border of Ohio and beyond.
Churchgoers throughout Detroit say they were offered an investment idea by their pastor, but what sold them was a pitch by Mike Winans, Junior. Now, star struck investors say a trusted member of a famous gospel singing...
Churchgoers throughout Detroit say they were offered an investment idea by their pastor, but what sold them was a pitch by Mike Winans, Junior. Now, star struck investors say a trusted member of a famous gospel singing...
Monday, March 4 2013 12:37 PM EST2013-03-04 17:37:11 GMT
This week, pop and gospel singer Michael Winans, Junior will be sentenced for running a multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme.
He used to hang out with big time celebrities, but soon Michael Winans, Junior will likely be hanging around with federal inmates. This week, the pop and gospel singer will be sentenced for running a multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme.
Mark Gilson in court (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
