PHOTOS: Crundwell jewelry up for auction this Saturday
Posted:
Updated:
DIXON, Ill. (Associated Press) -
A gold bar, a Rolex watch and even a glitzy SpongeBob SquarePants pendant are among the luxury items once belonging to disgraced Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell that will go up for auction Saturday, according to federal authorities.
Crundwell, 60, was sentenced to 19 1/2 years in prison last Thursday after she admitted to stealing $53.7 million from the northern Illinois city.
The pieces of jewelry will be part of a 351-lot auction of items forfeited to the government from criminal cases across the country, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshalls Service, which will conduct the auction.
Among Crundwell's former belongings for sale are a bar of gold bullion, which fetches a starting price of $1.436 million, and a $25,000 Rolex watch, the release said.
Other items include gold bracelet valued at $4,200, and a gold necklace and "Rita" name pendant worth $1,800.
An encrusted pendant of cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants is expected to fetch $1,200, while a platinum diamond ring Crundwell owned is valued at $980.
Federal authorities have already auctioned millions of dollars worth of Crundwell's horses, properties, a luxury motor home and other vehicles and belongings to compensate victims of Crundwell's scheme.
The longtime city official confessed to funneling public funds into a secret bank account from 1990 until her arrest last April.
Saturday's auction will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, and online at www.txauction.com. A preview of the items is scheduled for Friday.
Crundwell still faces 60 state felony charges for theft in Lee County.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Monday, January 21 2013 7:44 PM EST2013-01-22 00:44:21 GMT
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Monday emerged twice from their limousine to respond to wildly cheering crowds along the inaugural parade route.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Monday emerged twice from their limousine to respond to wildly cheering crowds along the inaugural parade route.
Monday, January 21 2013 6:08 PM EST2013-01-21 23:08:16 GMT
Declaring "our journey is not complete," President Barack Obama took the oath of office for his second term before a crowd of hundreds of thousands Monday.
Declaring "our journey is not complete," President Barack Obama took the oath of office for his second term before a crowd of hundreds of thousands Monday.
205 N. Michigan Avenue Ground Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Station Operator: (312) 565-5532 Newsroom: (312)565-5533
