Prosecutors: Hecker Tried To Marry Girlfriend
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) --Prosecutors say fallen Twin Cities auto magnate Denny Hecker tried to marry his girlfriend when he was allowed to leave jail to meet with his attorney.
Hecker's been in jail since a judge tossed him in for disregarding court orders. He pleaded guilty in September to fraud and conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing on two felony counts.
The charge that Hecker tried to get married on the sly is contained in a letter from prosecutors to Federal Judge Michael Davis.
The letter said the U.S. Attorney has been allowing Hecker, as a convenience, to use one of their conference rooms to work with his attorneys to prepare for his sentencing.
The letter says on Wednesday morning Hecker's girlfriend, Christi Rowan, suddenly appeared with her pastor.
Hecker tried to bring a Bible into the room but was refused by U.S. Marshalls.
In the letter, prosecutor Nicole Engisch stated: "It became clear to agents guarding Mr. Hecker that Ms. Rowan and the pastor were here for the purposes of participating in a wedding ceremony."
But Hecker's attorney Barbara May said the "prosecutions letter is BS. Christi was there to help with all the documents. She was incredibly helpful. Denny and Christi never saw each other."
May did say that Rowan did have her pastor with her but the pastor was there for moral support.
"They are trying to break an unbreakable man. Denny has (a) personal and very connected relationship with God. His Bible brings him many peaceful and healing answers to many questions," Rowan texted Esme Murphy.
"I am going to be with Denny forever and it is very upsetting to him that he has not married me. We grow stronger every day our faith in God and our commitment to each other and our family will continue to be the most important factor," she also texted.
Prosecutors say Hecker is only allowed video visits with Rowan. Prosecutors also say he abused a privilege, and they'll now oppose letting him leave jail for anything but court.
The letter from prosecutors went on to say that Hecker should not be allowed to meet attorneys outside the Sherburne County Jail in Elk River.
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