Hecker Loses a Legal Move

(AP) Minnesota Auto mogul Denny Hecker has received a set-back in his attempt to delay several lawsuits against him. He had been looking for a six month delay while a grand jury decides whether or not to indict him on criminal charges. His lawyer said the civil cases could jeopardise his Fifth Amendment rights when the criminal case moves forward.

Bankruptcy Judge Robert Kressel did not buy the argument. He said there may or may not be an indictment. In any event, Hecker would maintain his right to claim the Fifth Amendment at any time of the proceedings.

Hecker filed for bankruptcy protection in June following the collapse of his auto dealership empire.