Judge Sentences Hecker To 10 Years In Prison
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A gaunt and pale Denny Hecker apologized for his crimes at his sentencing. Still, a judge gave him the maximum 10-year sentence, saying his actions were appalling.
In September, Hecker pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud. On Friday, looking extremely thin and speaking in a high-pitched voice that cracked, Hecker asked for leniency and to even be let out so he could say goodbye to his kids.
Hecker told the judge he never intentionally lied to anyone and that he is a changed man
"My ego was so big, I thought I could conquer anything," he said to the judge, adding, "I have a heart. I have been beaten bad. My ego is long gone."
Hecker asked the judge to let him go free for three weeks before he reported to prison so he could say goodbye to his youngest children who are 16 and 10. After US District Judge Joan Ericksen said she would not release him, he begged saying "give me 24 hours."
"Your actions are not consistent with someone who can be trusted," Ericksen replied.
Afterwards, Hecker's older sister, Beverly, said the sentence was too harsh.
"He has been convicted by the press ,the newspapers, the television. You would have to be brain dead in this state not to know my brother," she said.
Hecker's daughter Kelly asked for sympathy.
"My dad is a dad, a grandfather, a friend and an uncle," she said. "He did a lot ."
Prosecutors says Hecker got what he deserved.
"It sends a very strong message that you cannot lie in your business dealings and you must follow the rules of the bankruptcy proceedings," said prosecutor Nicole Engisch.
Hecker will also have to pay $31 million in restitution. In court, Hecker said as his problems mounted, he was drinking a quart of vodka a day and taking a number of prescription drugs.
He is asking to serve his time at the federal prison camp in Duluth.
