Hecker's girlfriend pleads guilty to making false statement

The girlfriend of fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker has pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement in Hecker's bankruptcy case and defrauding a credit union.

Christi Michele Rowan, 36, of Wayzata, pleaded guilty Tuesday to 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.

According to federal court documents, Rowan made the false statement under oath during proceedings in Hecker's bankruptcy case in October 2009.

Hecker faces 25 federal criminal charges that include fraud and money laundering for allegedly trying to hide assets and rip off lenders. He has pleaded not guilty.

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