Hecker's girlfriend charged with making false statement
Prosecutors have charged the girlfriend of fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker with making a false statement in Hecker's bankruptcy case and defrauding a credit union.
Christi Michele Rowan, 36, of Wayzata, was charged Friday with one count of bankruptcy fraud and one count of bank fraud in connection to allegations that she defrauded a credit union while seeking a car loan.
Rowan and Hecker's former wives have been dragged into the legal process of trying to find any assets Hecker could be hiding. But the allegations against Rowan are the first time any of them have faced criminal charges in connection with the bankruptcy case.
According to federal court documents, Rowan made the alleged false statement under oath during proceedings in Hecker's bankruptcy case in October 2009
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Court documents also accuse Rowan of executing a scheme to defraud Endura Federal Credit Union while applying for a loan for a 2008 Land Rover.
Rowan's attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Prosecutors said in court documents that they will seize Rowan's Land Rover.
Hecker faces 25 federal criminal charges that include fraud and money laundering for allegedly trying to hide assets and rip off lenders.
In his bankruptcy case, a judge this week approved a deal in which Hecker agreed to accept personal responsibility for $767 million in debts.