Producer gets 10-year prison sentence in state film tax credit fiasco

A Polk County judge Tuesday sentenced Minnesota film producer Wendy Weiner Runge to 10 years in prison for fraudulently receiving state money via the now-suspended Iowa film tax credit program.

District Judge Douglas Staskal sentenced Runge, 46, after she pleaded guilty in February to one count of first-degree fraudulent practice, which is a Class C felony under Iowa law. As part of her plea that came following nearly two weeks of trial, Runge admitted that she made false statements to the state in her effort to obtain Iowa film tax credits.

Also Tuesday, Staskal sentenced Mattias Saunders, 39, of Minnesota, to a 10-year suspended prison term after he pleaded guilty in November to one count of first-degree theft, which also is a Class C felony. Saunders cooperated with state prosecutors in the Runge investigation.

Also, Chase Brandau, 26, of Minnesota, received a deferred judgment after pleading guilty in January to one Class D felony count of second-degree theft. Brandau also cooperated state prosecutors in the Runge investigation and testified at her trial.

Tuesday's sentencing hearings conclude the prosecutions for film tax credit criminal cases connected with Polynation Pictures. However, civil cases involving Polynation Pictures, that were filed in October 2010, currently are pending in Polk County District Court.