Hecker associate ordered to turn over financial documents

A federal judge has ordered one of Denny Hecker's former business associates to provide financial documents and submit to a deposition regarding his financial dealings with the fallen auto mogul.

James Gustafson had previously appealed the subpoena ordering him to comply with these demands. In Monday's ruling, Chief U.S. District Judge Michael Davis denied Gustafson's request.

In his ruling, Davis dismissed Gustafson's argument that his Fifth Amendment rights protected him from submitting to a subpoena. The judge ordered Gustafson to attend a deposition no later than June 4.

Gustafson must also turn over a long list of documents related to his financial dealings with Hecker, including emails, bank statements, travel records and other paperwork.

Hecker faces 25 federal criminal charges including fraud and money laundering in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud lenders. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include hiding assets as part of his bankruptcy case.

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