WASHINGTON – The U.S. Marshals are auctioning several hundred lots of horse show clothing and accessories and 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 Oct. 20 through Nov. 3 at www.txauction.com. Items of interest include a football and framed T-shirt signed by NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw and a Childeric English saddle with a water buffalo seat, which sells new for more than $4,000. Other items for sale include Harley Davidson apparel, various pairs of cowboy boots, Sean Ryan western hats, an ATV and mopeds. A future auction will be held to sell a large collection of horse show belt buckles and household items. These additional assets had been moved by Crundwell to various locations prior to her conviction.
Descriptions: Some of the items to be sold include these horse show jackets, cowboy boots, Terry Bradshaw-autographed memorabilia (will be sold in two separate lots), Childeric saddle, Philipp Plein bag and jacket, and Sean Ryan western hats.
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:
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.