DIXON, Ill. (AP) -- An attorney for former Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell is asking a judge to be lenient at her sentencing next week for the theft of more than $53 million in public funds from the city.
Crundwell faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on a felony count of wire fraud. Sentencing guidelines that take into account Crundwell's acceptance of responsibility and lack of prior criminal history put the possible punishment at between 13 and 16 years in prison.
Public defender Paul Gaziano is arguing for a sentence at the lower end of that range, while the government says it should be above the guidelines.
Gaziano also cites Crundwell's cooperation with investigators and her age. He says a maximum sentence for the 60-year-old woman would amount to life in prison.