No public defender for ex-Dixon comptroller

A federal judge has denied former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell's request for a public defender as she fights to keep $90,000 in pension funds.

The (Dixon) Telegraph reports that U.S. District Judge Philip Reinhard asked for more information on several motions Monday.

The judge will decide whether Crundwell's pension should be part of her restitution for swindling the northern Illinois city of $54 million. Crundwell argues that 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. She owes $44.4 million in restitution.

The city received $9 million from the sale of Crundwell's assets and $30 million in a settlement with its former bank and auditors.