OPEN POST: Small Town Big Baller Lived Large After Stealing 53 Million From Her Town Since the 90s.

In 1990, Rita Crundwell assumed the role of comptroller in Dixon, Illinois. After serving for seven years, she clandestinely established the Reserve Sewer Capital Development Account (RSCDA) and utilized it to siphon off nearly $2.5 million annually from the city. By 2008, she had illicitly obtained a staggering $5.8 million, a substantial portion of Dixon's modest annual budget, which ranged between $8-9 million.

Over 22 years, Crundwell embezzled upwards of $53 million and lavishly funded her lifestyle. She established and operated RC Quarter Horses, a renowned horse breeding enterprise, with her horses achieving an impressive 52 world championships. Additionally, she acquired a 45-foot motorhome and indulged in extended vacations.

Crundwell deceitfully attributed the city's financial shortfall to the state's delayed tax payments, resulting in severe cutbacks in essential services across Dixon. Basically, the psychopath endangered people's lives so she could cha cha cha in Mexico while the town suffered. 

Her scheme was unearthed in 2011 while she was on vacation, leading to her arrest in 2012. Crundwell pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering and was subsequently sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison. Following eight years of incarceration, she was granted home confinement in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health concerns, and purportedly commendable conduct. Her sentence is slated to conclude on October 20, 2028. Personally, I think she should be forced to share a cell with Diddy for a month, and then we let her out. I call it a Scared Straight program for Seniors. 

Photos:AP, Go Horseshow, Chicago Tribune.