The sentences for the Denny Hecker white collar crime case will be issued next month by a federal judge. Hecker used to be the owner of an auto empire in the Minneapolis metropolitan area until it was discovered that he was defrauding his creditors. Denny Hecker and two other co-defendants have been indicted on charges of fraud that bilked Chrysler Financial out of $80 million. Hecker pled guilty to two charges of fraud last year and faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
Hecker, who is 58 years old, may also have to return $30 million to the individuals and creditors he defrauded. Prosecutors have asked the judge who is completing the sentencing for the maximum sentence because Hecker has been arrogant and unremorseful throughout his time in court. Also according to prosecutors Hecker had the audacity to commit additional crimes after pleading guilty to fraud, and they argue the maximum sentence is appropriate for his indifferent behavior. Hecker’s sentence will be given on February 11.
Denny Hecker at one time owned 26 dealerships and employed 3,000 people. When Hecker lost his line of credit from Chrysler Financial his fraudulent scheme began to come undone. Hecker also defrauded other lenders including U.S. Bank, Suzuki and Hyundai. Two co-defendants will also be sentenced next month. The 55-year-old and 49-year-old men helped create paperwork that defrauded Chrysler Financial. The 49-year-old man started working for Hecker when he was 17 years old.
Hecker’s girlfriend also played a role in Hecker’s various schemes by helping Hecker hide assets from bankruptcy court. She also was dishonest with a Land Rover dealer when she tried to obtain a car loan in 2008. She has pled guilty to two white collar crimes, bank fraud and bankruptcy fraud. A date for her sentence has not been established.
Source: Star Tribune, “Hecker, Two Co-defendants Will Be Sentenced in February,” Dee DePass, 1/24/11
