What Are The Rules For Serving Prison Time?
"Everyone who goes to federal prison, unless they screw up badly while they're in prison, they get 15 percent off their sentence for what's called good time."
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"Everyone who goes to federal prison, unless they screw up badly while they're in prison, they get 15 percent off their sentence for what's called good time."
The 66-year-old Hecker was released Tuesday. He was sentenced in 2011 after pleading guilty to bankruptcy and wire fraud.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Denny Hecker has been released from prison to a halfway house.
A former car dealer and convicted con man is back in Minnesota. Online prison records show Denny Hecker is now at the federal prison in Duluth.
A former, well-known Minnesota car dealer who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and fraud is out of prison.
A new filing in bankruptcy court says a deposit of more than $34,000 was recorded in Denny Hecker's prison commissary account.
Denny Hecker could be out of prison and transferred to a halfway house as early as Tuesday.
A former well-known car dealer and convicted con man could get out of prison early.
It appears Denny Hecker's release date from prison has just been moved up a year, and he may be out by summer 2018.
Though he's currently incarcerated, fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker remains a man on the move. Hecker has been moved to the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colo., according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Theirs may not be your typical love story. But in a WCCO exclusive, Denny Hecker's wife says she and the imprisoned former auto dealer were made for each other.
Over the weekend, we learned that Denny Hecker was on the move again. Serving a ten-year sentence for fraud, Hecker's been in five different prisons over six months.
Denny Hecker has found a new home behind bars. The one-time Minnesota auto giant who's serving a 10-year prison sentence for fraud is currently imprisoned in Loretto, Penn., located about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh.
For the fifth time in four months, fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker has been switched to another prison. Hecker, 59, was recently moved to the U.S. Penitentiary in Canaan, Pa.
Denny Hecker is on the move again. The one-time Minnesota auto giant is serving a 10-year prison sentence for fraud.
Federal prison officials are saying that Denny Hecker will be moving to yet another prison.
Former auto mogul Denny Hecker has been moved to a new higher security prison -- this time to Wisconsin.
Former auto mogul Denny Hecker has been moved to a Federal Prison Camp in Duluth, Minn.
The wife of beleaguered auto mogul Denny Hecker has been released from federal prison and is back in Minneapolis, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
It has been more than two months since fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker went to live at what will be his home for at least the next eight years -- the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth, Minn.
The wife of beleaguered auto mogul Denny Hecker has been moved to a federal prison in southern Illinois.
Even after five auctions there are still a lot of Denny Hecker's possessions to be auctioned off, according to Fred Radde and Sons auction house in New Germany.
Christi Rowan, the wife of beleaguered auto mogul Denny Hecker, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for stealing money that belonged to Hecker's creditors.
As I sat in the newsroom this week fielding calls from Denny Hecker in jail, more than one person walking by my desk compared the latest from the Hecker/Rowan camp to the other Tsunami-sized train wreck of the week: that of actor Charlie Sheen.
Hennepin County prosecutors finished their review of Denny Hecker's over-the-phone marriage to Christi Rowan-Hecker and have decided not to file charges, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced Friday.
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won't detain them.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The small town of Warroad, Minnesota, has had an outsized impact on the history of hockey in the U.S. The inclusion of Brock Nelson on the men's Olympic team this year makes eight players from Warroad to go to the Winter Games.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.
Temps are set to fall into the teens by the evening due to gusty winds from the north.
As of Friday, the girls basketball team at Wayzata is undefeated in the Lake Conference after big wins against Minnetonka and Hopkins. WCCO's Marielle Mohs caught up with the Trojans.
Providence Academy's girls basketball team met Hill-Murray in Maplewood on Friday night. Plus, see highlights from other prep basketball and hockey battles that took place around Minnesota in the Feb. 6, 2026, edition of High School Sports Rally.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
Residents of Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood returned to their apartment units on Friday following a sudden flood to find loss, damage and community support.
Two Democratic congresspeople who represent parts of Minnesota said the Department of Homeland Security on Friday wouldn't let them into the Whipple federal building to check on conditions where federal officials hold immigrants and others. A third Democratic lawmaker was allowed inside. Laurie Perez reports.