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From Q-Tips To Championship Buckles: The Next Crundwell Auction Starts Soon

There’s still more money to be wrung from the former Dixon comptroller’s assets. Another auction of Rita Crundwell’s possessions begins next week. 

U.S. Marshals have recovered and returned about $9.5 million of the nearly $54 million Crundwell stole from the city of Dixon. Crundwell embezzled the money from the city’s coffers over two decades. She was convicted of fraud in 2012.

Her extravagant taste as one of the top breeders of champion quarter horses has fueled interest in the auctions of her possessions, from horses to RVs to furniture to cowboy boots. Hundreds of her trophies will go to one on-line bidder when that auction ends at the end of the month. Next week, a mish-mash of personal items she had moved to places around the country before her conviction will hit the on-line auction block.

Credit U.S. Marshals Service
Three of the many championship silver buckles Rita Crundwell won during her days as a top horse breeder.

A total of 150 belt buckles Crundwell won in horse shows will be parceled out, with bids starting at $60 each. There’s also a personalized pink “Cadillac” bicycle and brand new personalized jackets and coats in every size for her employees.

There are paintings, including some of Crundwell and her horses. And then there’s lot after lot of household “stuff.” Fifteen bucks could get you a lot that includes a stack of curling irons, a nearly full box of Q-Tips, and a couple of half-used boxes of tissues.

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.
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