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DIXON (WREX) –
The former Dixon comptroller accused of stealing over $53 million from the city over the course of two decades, made her first court appearance in Dixon on Tuesday.

Rita Crundwell faces 60 counts of theft in Lee County, in addition to a separate, federal charge of wire fraud. Officials say Crundwell used the money she allegedly took to fund a national horse-breeding operation and an extravagant lifestyle for herself. She was arrested in April of this year, and pleaded not guilty to the federal charge of wire fraud in May.

Crundwell’s arraignment is scheduled for October 31. She requested a public defender during Tuesday’s court appearance.

Great article at http://www.wrex.com/story/19894421/crundwell-makes-first-appearance-in-lee-county-court