Former Dixon Comptroller's Horses Now Up For Auction

DIXON, Ill. (CBS) -- Scores of horses purchased by a government official who's accused of absconding with millions of dollars can now be yours, if you have the cash.

As WBBM Newsradio's Felicia Middlebrooks reports, Rita Crundwell, former city comptroller in Dixon, Ill., owned nearly 400 horses.

She was arrested last April, accused of stealing more than $53 million from Dixon over a period of 22 years, and she allegedly used some of that money to buy those horses.

Now, the horses are being auctioned off for sale. The U.S. Marshals Service says the first 93 horses will be offered at auction on line at professionauction.com, starting Friday. Bidding will close on Tuesday for 46 horses and on Wednesday for 47.

Crundwell has pleaded not guilty to a wire fraud charge.

The government sought forfeiture of $53 million as well as 311 quarter horses, three houses, a horse farm in Dixon, a dozen trucks, a 67 Chevy Corvette and about $224,000 in cash.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Felicia Middlebrooks reports

In:
• Felicia Middlebrooks