Feds Seek Forfeiture of Crundwell Horses

Horse breeder Crundwell was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $53 million from a small Illinois town.
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More than 300 Quarter Horses belonging to Rita Crundwell could become government property if a civil court grants federal prosecutors’ request that the embattled breeder forfeit the animals.

Crundwell is the owner of RC Quarter Horses LLC, and operates the Meri-J Ranch in Beloit, Wis., and another horse farm in Dixon, Ill. Horses not located at those locations reside with various trainers around the country. Crundwell has been a leading Quarter Horse breeder having earned Leading Breeder Award honors at eight AQHA World Championship Shows.

In April, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Crundwell and charged her with one count of wire fraud after a federal grand jury in Illinois returned an initial indictment accusing Crundwell of misappropriating $30 million in funds from the town of Dixon, Ill. The charge carries potential maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or an alternate fine totaling twice the cost of the loss or twice the gain, whichever is greater.

Crundwell was later released on her own recognizance. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph C. Pedersen said further investigation resulted in an expanded indictment accusing Crundwell of allegedly misappropriating more than $53 million from the Town of Dixon over the course of more than 20 years

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Written by:

Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who enjoys covering equine welfare, industry, and news. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sonny.

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