U.S. Marshals to Hold Second Auction in Recent Months of Additional Rita Crundwell Assets

Washington - U.S. Marshals are auctioning approximately 150 belt buckles awarded in recognition of top finishes in horse shows and several hundred lots of other items that belonged to Rita Crundwell, the former comptroller of Dixon, Illinois, who was convicted of fraud in 2012 for stealing $53.7 million from the city over two decades.

The auction will take place online Nov. 17 through Dec. 1 at www.txauction.com. Aside from the belt buckles, other items of interest include more than 71 pieces of artwork, some depicting the convicted fraudster; decorative crystal pieces; her pink Cadillac bicycle; two large antique wooden wagon wheels; horse equipment; and various household items.

These personal assets had been moved by Crundwell to various locations prior to her conviction.

Crundwell, 62, was one of the leading breeders of quarter horses in the U.S. She was sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison in 2013 and is serving her sentence at Waseca Federal Correctional Institute in Minnesota. To date, the U.S. Marshals have returned more than $9.5 million to the city of Dixon.

For more information on the case: www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/former-dixon-comptroller-rita-crundwell-sentenced-nearly-20-years-federal-prison-537

The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program is a key component of the federal government’s law enforcement efforts to combat major criminal activity by disrupting and dismantling illegal enterprises, depriving criminals of the proceeds of illegal activity, deterring crime and restoring property to victims. The U.S. Marshals Service plays a critical role by efficiently managing and selling assets seized and forfeited by DOJ. Proceeds generated from asset sales are used to operate the Asset Forfeiture Program, compensate victims and support various law enforcement and community initiatives