Former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell is appealing her federal prison sentence. Earlier this year, Crundwell was sentenced to nearly 20 years behind bars for stealing millions of dollars from the city. Her attorneys say the judge made an error in handing out the punishment by failing to acknowledge her cooperation with authorities.
The defense wants the sentence tossed out and a new hearing held. On Wednesday, they filed their request with the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
After her arrest, Crundwell pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges. Authorities say she embezzled more than 50-million dollars to fund a lavish lifestyle. It was considered one of the biggest cases of municipal fraud in U.S. history.
Crundwell is currently serving out her term at a federal prison in Minnesota.