Well over a half-million dollars has been spent by federal workers so far, taking care of 400 horses the former comptroller is accused of buying with money she stole from taxpayers. Rita Crundwell, 59, is accused by federal authorities of diverting $53 million in city money into a personal account over two decades, using it to bankroll a lavish lifestyle. She has pleaded innocent since her April arrest but is cooperating with authorities’ efforts to turn her horses and some personal belongings into cash.

After the U.S. Marshals Service is reimbursed for the $200,000 it is costing monthly to care for the Crundwell herd, the remaining money will be turned over to the city of Dixon, which has a population of about 6,000.

Mike Jennings, one of two brothers who own Virginia-based Professional Auction Services Inc., answered questions Friday about his company’s plans to hold several September auctions — both live and online — to convert the quarterhorses into cash.

A self-described lifelong horseman, Jennings was asked whether he has known of any other personally owned herds of quarterhorses that are 400 strong.

“No, I don’t,” he said. “It’s an unusual circumstance in the industry.”

U.S. Marshal Darryl McPherson said workers from his office spent seven weeks inventorying all 400 horses, which are kept at 22 farms in 13 states. The largest holding, however, is at Crundwell’s ranch on Red Brick Road in Dixon, where workers from the Marshals Service are caring for 271 horses.

Though Crundwell has been portrayed as a big spender, shelling out $1.575 million on a luxury motor home and hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry, Jennings said her ranch is not over the top.

“I expected something a little fancier,” he said, adding that he has seen horse stables with crystal chandeliers.

The main barn houses 38 stables, a laboratory, office, kitchen, air-conditioned laundry room and at least one restroom with granite countertops. There is a horse shower that resembles a car-wash bay and an old-fashioned popcorn maker, which, on Friday, had a blue-eyed Australian shepherd resting at its base.

Crundwell had at least two of the dogs, including a full-sized shepherd and a miniature one. The animals clearly are accustomed to the federal workers being at the ranch, because the smaller dog continually approached two of the men, shoving its nose into their hands.

The trophy room that is connected to the barn tells the tale of Crundwell’s success with an industry often referred to as “a rich-man’s hobby.”

It would take half a day to count the trophies, ribbons and belt-buckle prizes that are crammed onto shelves and line the floor among antiques and leather furniture — even standing in rows on the overhead wood beams.

The open-concept space has a brick fireplace and full-sized kitchen. One wall is decorated in oversized prints of Crundwell in the winner’s circle with some of her horses, as well as two oil paintings of horses.

Below a mounted flat-screen TV is a bar, piled with bottles of alcohol. Saddles hang from the beams or rest on Western-themed furniture. The room also contains a small dining area and a full bathroom.

“This room speaks to the serious value of the herd,” McPherson said, noting the hundreds of trophies and awards reflect the quality of stock that will be available at auction.

Chief Inspector Jason Wojdylo, of the asset forfeiture division of the U.S. Marshals Service, said the ranch, along with other Crundwell-owned properties, will be sold after her living assets have been liquidated.

His office has been directly responsible for the care of the herd, which has seen the arrival of 82 foals since April. Another eight horses have died.

The government’s role in caring for so many animals, including at least 29 world champions, was described Friday as “unprecedented.”

Jennings said he intends to send a team from Virginia to “supplement the care” and “put the horses through the beauty shop.” He said the animals have been getting “excellent” care from the government, and he expects several of them, including the popular stallion, Good I Will Be, to fetch $300,000 or more each.

“We expect bidding to be active,” he said, adding that 13 of Crundwell’s custom-made saddles also will be sold at auction.

“Our job is to advocate for the victims of crimes,” Wojdylo said. “We want the greatest return on assets.”

Click here to see more from the Quad-City Times including video from the August 3 press conference as well as video from the farm. 

Photos © Larry Fisher/QUAD-CITY TIMES