Feds: Give Hecker Max. 10-Year Sentence

Federal prosecutors on Thursday filed court documents requesting that Denny Hecker receive a sentence of 10 years in prison. Hecker's attorney says his client should get a lighter sentence.

In 47 pages of pre-sentencing documents filed on Thursday, federal prosecutors outlined the numerous reasons why they believe former auto mogul Denny Hecker should be put behind bars for 10 years-the maximum sentence for the crimes Hecker faces.

The court documents allege that Hecker-who is accused of defrauding lenders by forging documents to obtain more than $100 million in loans-also cheated the bankruptcy system through nearly a dozen major fraud schemes “all designed with the single goal of furthering Hecker's high-flying lifestyle.”

The government states that Hecker ignored court orders and lied to the court when he thought it would benefit him, “thus demonstrating contempt for the judicial process.”

“What is unique and most remarkable about this case, what sets Hecker apart from other defendants, is that Hecker committed each of these relatively ordinary crimes over and over and over, year after year after year,” prosecutors wrote.

Prosecutors purport that Hecker's high-profile case is a distinct one, and a tough sentence will set an example.

“Members of the public rightly wondered time and again how Hecker was able to 'get away' with gaming the system on so many occasions,” prosecutors wrote. “In this case, as well as in the bankruptcy proceeding, Hecker did not get away with it, and a strong sentence will reinforce that message.”

In addition to the 10-year prison sentence, prosecutors asked the court to issue an order requiring Hecker to pay restitution to each of his victims, including Chrysler Financial, Hyundai Capital, U.S. Bank, and the bankruptcy estate, among others.

Earlier this week, Steven Leach-a former executive of Hecker's who is accused of playing a role in defrauding Chrysler-filed court documents arguing that Hecker should also have to pay for “most” of the $16.2 million in restitution that he owes.

In a document filed Thursday by Hecker's attorney, William Mauzy, Hecker objects to numerous dollar figures outlined in the government's prosecution. He also protests the government's accusation that he has not accepted responsibility for his offenses. Citing his decision to plead guilty prior to trial, Hecker argues that he should receive a reduced sentence.

Hecker, who is currently in jail, was denied his request earlier this month to be released while he awaits his sentencing.

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