Peoria Standard

U.S. Representative Darin LaHood expressed his disapproval of the commutation of Rita Crundwell's prison sentence in a Facebook post dated December 12. He said, "Leniency towards public officials who have abused their power - like Rita Crundwell - only further erodes the integrity of our institutions."

"Illinois' history of corruption has marred our state with controversy and public distrust," said LaHood, according to Facebook. "Leniency towards public officials who have abused their power - like Rita Crundwell - only further erodes the integrity of our institutions."

On December 12, President Joe Biden granted clemency to 1,499 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes who had demonstrated successful rehabilitation and a commitment to community safety, according to a press release from the White House. Among those granted clemency was Rita Crundwell, although details of her crime were not included in the release.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's Dec. 12 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood Facebook page

LaHood criticized President Biden's decision, saying it showed "continued disregard for our justice system and rule of law." He noted that Crundwell, described as "the disgraced and corrupt former Dixon Comptroller," stole $54 million from the city. LaHood added that commuting her 20-year sentence was "a slap in the face" to Dixon's residents and public servants.

The Chicago Tribune reported on Crundwell’s commutation, highlighting that she admitted in 2012 to embezzling $53.7 million over more than a decade from Dixon. The funds were used for her quarter horse business and personal expenses. Sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in 2013, she petitioned for compassionate release in 2020 due to health concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her petition, Crundwell said, "I have done everything in my power to be a ‘model inmate.’ To work as hard as I can and have never complained about my conditions here or the pay we receive. There is never a day that goes by, I do not regret my crime." She was released to a halfway house in Downers Grove in 2021 and would have completed her sentence in 2028.

Congressman LaHood has represented Illinois since 2015. Initially serving the 18th Congressional District until redistricting shifted him to represent the 16th District starting in 2023. His political career includes four years in the state senate from 2011-2015 and over nine years as a state and federal prosecutor, including time with the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada.