Here’s how the Rita Crundwell embezzlement story played out for readers

The story of Rita Crundwell, the convicted former Dixon comptroller, played out in the news pages and websites of Shaw Media since her arrest on April 18, 2012.

Before that, however, the first evidence was discovered in the autumn of 2011 when Kathe Swanson, the acting comptroller at the time, discovered a secret account.

Crundwell was released from the federal prison in Pekin, local authorities learned on Wednesday.

Here are links to key moments:

April 18, 2012

Dixon comptroller arrested in $30 million embezzlement scheme.

Youtube video posted by Sauk Valley News of the city of Dixon news conference announcing the arrest.

Crundwell freed on $4,500 bond.

April 28, 2012

Who is Rita Crundwell?

This story looks at key elements of her life, her enthusiasm for horses and her long service as a Dixon official.

May 2, 2012

Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell (center) leaves the federal courthouse in Rockford on Wednesday afternoon after U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mahoney released her on a $4,500 recognizance bond. Crundwell, charged with wire fraud, had been jailed in Ogle County since her arrest Tuesday morning at Dixon City Hall. Walking with Crundwell are her attorneys, Paul Gaziano (left) and Kristin Carpenter.

Closer look

A FAQ that looked at key elements of the investigation and the case against Crundwell.

April 24, 2012

U.S. Public Defender Paul Gaziano and Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell leave the Federal Courthouse in Rockford Wednesday afternoon. Prosecutors say Crundwell, 59, took more than $30 million in taxpayer money.

What the federal search warrants served against Crundwell revealed.

Feb. 14, 2013

Ex-Dixon comptroller sentenced to 19 years, 7 months.

Feb. 21, 2013

Seeing financial red flags: Sterling official told Dixon colleague the numbers seemed off

June 4, 2013

Crundwell transferred to Minnesota prison.

June 14, 2013

A $40 million oversight: Bank should have looked into suspicious withdrawals, city’s attorney says.

Dec. 26, 2013

Timeline of events related to Crundwell scandal.

April 12, 2014

Mayor Burke saw a ‘cold angle’ to Crundwell and talks about changes after comptroller’s arrest and imprisonment.

May 27, 2015

Judge orders Crundwell to forfeit horse-breeding trophies, other assets.

Oct 30, 2017

Dixon City Clerk Kathe Swanson honored for discovering Crundwell’s secret account.

April 24, 2018

Crundwell transferred to federal prison in Pekin.

Sept. 5, 2019

Dixon pays its respect to former mayor who alerted FBI over suspicions of Crundwell’s fraud

May 12, 2020

Crundwell seeks compassionate release from federal prison, cites COVID-19

May 13, 2020

Dixon stands united in strong opposition to Crundwell’s release.

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Troy Taylor

Troy E. Taylor

Was named editor for Saukvalley.com and the Gazette and Telegraph in 2021. An Illinois native, he has been a reporter or editor in daily newspapers since 1989.