Nephew of embezzler Crundwell buys her ranch

DIXON— A relative of former Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell, who embezzled almost $53 million from the northern Illinois city, has purchased the quarter horse ranch she developed with the stolen funds.

Brenda and Richard Humphrey Jr. purchased the property formerly owned by Crundwell for $1.13 million.

Richard Humphrey said Tuesday he bought the 88-acre site to expand Humphreys Show Cattle. The couple also owns Affordable Waste, Dixon’s contracted garbage provider.

Jason Wojdylo of the U.S. Marshals Service, which is selling Crundwell’s assets, says the Humphreys did not have an advantage in buying the property.

Crundwell pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced next week. Authorities say the theft, which lasted 20 years, enabled Crundwell to build a world-renowned quarter horse breeding operation and live a luxurious lifestyle.