Hennepin Co. To Review Hecker's Unusual Marriage
ELK RIVER (WCCO) -- The Hennepin County Attorney's Office says it will decide by Monday whether the wedding between former auto mogul Denny Hecker and Christi Rowan-Hecker was legal.
The couple, who are now both in jail, were married over the phone nine days ago, just before Rowan was taken into custody.
In a phone interview Tuesday, Hecker defended the wedding as legitimate. He said his wedding, while unusual, is very real and that Rowan is a wonderful mother. Hecker said,
"As a unit, we are a great family and we plan on staying together forever," said Hecker.
Rowan-Hecker was at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove and Hecker was on the phone when Pastor Peter Geisendorfer Lindgren married them.
Hecker has not been able to speak to his new bride since the day after the ceremony, when she was taken into custody.
Now, both are at the Sherburne County Jail in separate units and are not allowed any contact, even through the phone.
Hecker said he did catch a glimpse of his wife in a jail hallway, but she did not see him.
He said he blames himself for her legal troubles and hopes she hears about this statement he gave us. Hecker said,
"Christi, your whole family misses you very dearly. Christi, stand strong your a great person. You have great faith and we make a great team. God bless you and I love you very much," said Hecker.
It is Hecker's fifth marriage and he is confident that, despite the long jail sentences they both face, this marriage will be his last.
"I had more wealth than anyone can imagine and I have had more sadness than anyone can imagine. I found myself with Christi and our love will last forever," he said.
Again, the Hennepin County Attorney's office says they should have final finding on Monday as to whether the marriage is in fact legitimate.
Hecker should find out soon which federal prison he is assigned to. Rowan is facing sentencing on two felony counts.
