So how did she steal the money? In 1990, Crundwell opened a secret bank account in the name of the city (titled the RSDCA account: the initials stood for reserve sewer development construction account). Secret Bank AccountĪccording to the mayor, the city’s annual audits raised no red flags, and the city’s primary bank never reported anything suspicious. Burke later recalled his emotions and words: “I literally became sick to my stomach, and I told him that I hoped my suspicions were all wrong.” Such a response is understandable given that Crundwell had worked for the city for decades. It was a disturbing moment when Dixon Mayor James Burke presented the FBI with evidence of Crundwell’s fraud. In April 2011, finance commissioner and veteran council member, Roy Bridgeman, praised Crundwell calling her “a big asset to the city as she looks after every tax dollar as if it were her own.” Too much trust in a bookkeeper can lead to huge problems. So how did this happen? Rita Crundwell won the trust of those around her-especially that of mayor and council. The city’s annual budget? $6 to $8 millionīut even with budgets and audits, the Dixon, Illinois scandal happened.
She used the money to fund one of the top quarter horse ranches in the country, and she did it with style: Some of the funds were used to purchase over $300,000 of jewelry and a $2.1 million motor coach vehicle. So why did she steal? It appears Rita just enjoyed the good life. One friend described her as “sweet as pie.” Another said: “You could not find a nicer person.” The city of 16,000 residents held Crundwell in high esteem. Rita Crundwell, comptroller, and treasurer of Dixon, Illinois stole $53 million over a twenty-year period. The Rita Crundwell story provides a cautionary tale for small businesses, governments, and nonprofits.
Is it possible for one person to steal over $53 million from a city with an annual budget of less than $10 million? Yes.
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