Illinois: Feds say city official actually stole $53M

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Federal prosecutors say in an indictment that a former financial officer for the small northern Illinois city of Dixon stole millions more in public funds than an initial investigation had uncovered.

Tuesday’s indictment accuses Rita Crundwell of stealing more than $53 million from the city since 1990. An initial criminal complaint filed upon her April 17 arrest had accused her of siphoning $30 million in public funds to a secret account she controlled.

Crundwell is accused of using the money to fund horse-breeding operations that brought her national fame and a lavish lifestyle that included expensive jewelry and luxury vehicles.

The former comptroller will be arraigned May 7 in U.S. District Court in Rockford.