Hecker Makes Grab for Millions in Bankruptcy Appeal

Denny Hecker may be in prison for close to the next decade, but he hasn't stopped fighting.

The bankrupt former auto dealer and convicted felon has filed an appeal to a bankruptcy settlement that cut him out of more than $4 million. The case was entered at the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota on Wednesday.

In dispute is $4,100,000 in cash that Judge Robert Kressel ruled last month should be divided up between Hecker's bankruptcy estate, U.S. Bank, and Chrysler. During the hearing June 15, Hecker's attorney, John Neve, objected, arguing the money was part of an agreement that "has all the hallmarks of an employment agreement," and therefore a portion of it may be exempt as wages, although Hecker has, as of yet, claimed no such exemption.

Judge Kressel reacted strongly, saying from the bench, "Well, I've seen a lot in 28 years on the bench but to have Mr. Hecker... ask for equity is towards the top of the... absurd things I've heard of. He obviously has a total lack of self-awareness; certainly no sense of shame."

Contacted at the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth where he's serving his sentence, Hecker referred 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS to his attorney for comment on the bankruptcy appeal. Neve could not be reached Wednesday evening.

Matt Burton, an attorney for bankruptcy trustee Randy Seaver, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS when asked about Hecker's appeal, "our view is that his claim is frivolous."

Click here to read the Statement of Issues on Appeal.

Click here to read a transcript of the June 15, 2011 hearing where a judge approved the settlement agreement, over Hecker's objection.

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