Denny Hecker

Denny Hecker's highest-paid confidant has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for his role in a fraud scheme that brought down the auto dealer's empire that once did $6 billion in annual sales.

The attorney for former Twin Cities auto magnate Denny Hecker is asking that Hecker serve no more than eight years in prison. Hecker is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Minneapolis on Feb. 11. He pleaded guilty last September to conspiracy and bankruptcy fraud. Prosecutors want Hecker sentenced to the maximum 10 years in prison.

Fallen Twin Cities auto magnate Denny Hecker now has a sentencing date. Hecker is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 11 in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis.

U.S. prosecutors want fallen Twin Cities auto dealer Denny Hecker to get the statutory maximum sentence. They're recommending a 10-year prison term.

Former auto magnate Denny Hecker will stay in jail until his sentencing on fraud charges.

Prosecutors want fallen Twin Cities auto mogul Denny Hecker to stay in jail because he is a flight risk and "an economic threat to the community."

The white snow flew and the red ink grew as 2010 drew to a close in Minnesota, but the snowstorm that brought down the Metrodome roof and a daunting $6.2 billion projected state deficit were just two of the year's most notable stories.