Ex-Auto Dealer to be Released from Minneapolis Halfway House

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ A former Minnesota auto dealer will be released from a halfway house where he's lived since serving most of a 10-year sentence in federal prison.

Reports say 65-year-old Denny Hecker will be released from the Minneapolis halfway house Thursday.

Hecker filed for bankruptcy in June 2009, when he owed $767 million. He was sentenced in 2011 after pleading guilty to bankruptcy and wire fraud.

Prosecutors say he took tens of millions from auto lenders, including Chrysler Financial, to live an opulent lifestyle.

Hecker was originally scheduled to be released from prison in 2018, but was given an early release because he participated in a drug and alcohol program while incarcerated.
Hecker's attorney says her client has a car, job and a place to live once he's released.