Judge lets Hecker out of jail on condition he disclose finances

The judge overseeing Denny Hecker's divorce cases on Friday released Hecker from jail on the condition that the former auto mogul keep up with alimony payments and provide the court with financial information.

Standing in court with his hands clasped, Hecker told the judge that being in the county workhouse since Tuesday had been an "eye-opening experience."

Hennepin County District Judge Jay Quam agreed.

"It's not an exaggeration to say it's a place where dignity takes a holiday," he said.

Quam said Hecker must keep up with payments to his second wife Sandra and fourth wife Tamitha. He also said Hecker must provide a detailed accounting of his income and expenditures.

But Hecker's divorce attorney, D. Patrick McCollough, said providing such detailed information could hurt Hecker in his federal criminal case. Hecker faces 25 federal criminal charges that include fraud and money laundering.

"There's a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Mr. Hecker doesn't want to defy the court, but he's under indictment," McCollough said.

McCollough said Hecker's defense attorney for the criminal case had warned some of the information Quam was requesting could be used against him later. Hecker told the judge he would try his best to meet the judge's requirements.

After the hearing, McCollough said Hecker was current on his payments to Sandra but was still a little behind in payments to Tamitha. However, Hecker was able to convince the judge that he would soon become current.

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