Rita Crundwell dealt another blow in court

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) – A federal judge has denied Rita Crundwell’s request for a public defender as she fights to keep $90,000 in pension funds.

The judge asked for more information on several motions Monday. He will decide whether Crundwell’s pension should be part of her restitution for swindling Dixon out of $54 million when she was city comptroller. Crundwell is arguing her pension should be exempt from money she must repay.

Crundwell was convicted of stealing the money from the city over 22 years, and was sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison.