Dixon woman, Rita Crundwell sentenced to 235 months in prison after stealing $53 million from the city.
By Ben Bradley | WGN News
President Biden’s largest act of clemency includes Rita Crundwell
DIXON, Ill. — President Joe Biden’s decision to grant clemency to nearly 1,500 people Thursday is getting attention because it’s the largest act of clemency by any president.
It’s being received differently in Dixon, Illinois. That’s because Rita Crundwell’s name is on the list.
Crundwell pled guilty to stealing millions dollars from taxpayers in the largest municipal heist in U.S. history. Covid sent her home from prison early; but now Dixon residents have learned she won’t go back.
Crundwell was a humble public servant by day, but lived large in almost every other part of her life. A 20-year fraud on her hometown of Dixon, Illinois total $54 million.
Now, another gut punch for the people of Dixon. Crundwell’s name is on the list of people granted clemency means her punishment is over.
Danny Langloss is the city manager in Dixon and was Dixon’s police chief when Crundwell’s crime was exposed.
“We’re just shocked, outraged and as a community we feel betrayed by the justice system and by the president,” he said. “She pleaded guilty to a very serious crime and got the maximum but served 8 years. What message does that send to the victims, to our community and people across the country who think about doing something like this?”
Crundwell was a world-class horseman with a stable and possessions worthy of a queen. She left the impression she served as Dixon’s comptroller to give back. The charade crumbled in 2012.
More here.