Rita Crundwell pleaded not guilty today to wire fraud in a federal court room in Rockford, IL. Crundwell, wearing a trench coat to court today, has made headlines over the past few weeks. We’ve also learned she will be represented by public defenders.
She’s accused of stealing more than $53 million from the city since 1990. Monday residents have the chance to voice their opinion to Dixon city leaders.
In Dixon today residents are outraged over the whole ordeal. They say they understand Crundwell’s plea was direction from her lawyer, but residents feel the evidence proving her guilt is overwhelming.
“The whole thing is outrageous, so I’m not surprised, it couldn’t get any more outrageous than it was,” said Dixon resident Chuck Cook.
And when asked if residents would have expected her to admit it… some believe she should have.
“Well yea, they have all the proof, I don’t know why she said not guilty,” said Bonnie Greenwood.
Timothy Ohda has lived in Dixon for 30 years, and since Crundwell has been comptroller. He tells us she has taken enough from the city and residents have paid the price.
“She’s taken 53 million dollars, I can’t even fathom how much that is, for me. And who pays for the public defender? I do, we do, the community does, so there’s she’s quote double dipping,” said Ohda.
Then add public defender to her tab, Dixon residents say they are sick of paying for what they call her greed. Tonight residents can speak up about all of this during the council meeting, city officials will allow only one hour of public comment. Each person will get 3 minutes to speak and no doubt what residents tell KWQC today, will come up again tonight during the council meeting.