Rita Crundwell admits to stealing $53 million from Dixon, IL - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Rita Crundwell admits to stealing $53 million from Dixon, IL

By: Katie Jones

Kjones@cbs4qc.com

$53 million gone and Rita Crundwell is guilty. On Wednesday, the former Dixon, Illinois Comptroller admitted to stealing from her city. Inside a Rockford federal courtroom Wednesday morning, Rita Crundwell pleaded guilty to her charge of wire fraud.

The guilty plea gives a green light for U.S. Marshals to try and bring back what was stolen from the city of Dixon.

"We have located, seized and are liquidating every asset owned by Ms. Crundwell," U.S. Attorney Gary Shapiro said.

Assets, which include hundreds of horses, luxury homes, RV's and jewelry. Government officials have already sold $7.4 million worth of Crundwell's property but said they've got a long way to go.

"This is a crime that should have never been allowed to occur," Shapiro said.

But it did for two decades and now Rita Crundwell could spend the same amount of time behind bars.

"For twenty years Rita Crundwell was living the dream. But unfortunately this dream was being funded by tax payer dollars. Today's plea agreement puts an end to that dream," FBI Special Agent Bill Monroe said.

Crundwell is out on bond and is expected to be sentenced February 14th.