It was an unfortunate day for our industry on Thursday, February 14th when Rita Crundwell was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison for stealing over $53 million from the town of Dixon, Illinois.
GoHorseShow talked to several people in the industry including a past trainer of Crundwell, breeders, a former AQHA president, judges, competitors and also individuals who bought horses from her sale.
Breeder, Sheri Robinson-Kern from Crossroads, Texas summarized the thoughts of many, “I think it was a sad day for everyone involved.”
We asked individuals their thoughts about Rita, opinions on the length of her sentence, and finally how they believe she has affected the horse industry as a whole.
Leonard Berryhill–I know that those of us who worked for her feel a great deal of loss and hurt. She was wonderful to work for, but in light of the circumstances, it leaves me with a very empty feeling knowing a town suffered while we, as trainers or employees worked for her thinking all was good. I am very sad for the ones still close to her, for I know their lives have been turned upside down.
Peter J Cofrancesco, III–The extent of punishment she deserved was not for me to decide. I think the situation was very unfortunate for everyone involved. I wish her and her family well, and hope her faith remains strong through this next chapter in her life. I think that there are some aspects of our industry that have been stimulated because of this ordeal. I also think that some of the participation at our events may have declined because of this situation. However, I feel that regardless of what I think or what any of us think, we all need to try to put this situation in our rearview mirrors and get on with what we all enjoy most, competing with our horses!
Maggie Bellville–It is a sad chapter on so many levels. We can probably use a few expressions like—don’t judge a book by its cover. Also–if it looks too good to be true it probably is. The bottom line is–let’s learn from this. I remember being in corporate America and the ‘bad guys’ always getting ahead. You know who those guys are– politically motivated, finding the short cuts and not doing the hard work. Just when you thought they had won the day–they get the boot, and the right thing prevails. My point is– nothing replaces true motives, hard work, and an honest approach to people and life. Lets remember all of this and put this sad chapter behind us.
Wayne Halvorson–I wasn’t surprised by her punishment. Apparently, she had no thoughts of stopping her illegal and destructive behavior. Very few people have won or bought as many horses as she has in our industry. The fact that we knew her as “Rita” tells us that she did have a major impact–unfortunately, we now know it was in a negative way. It is a good lesson to teach our children and friends–that what looks to be an awesome lifestyle may be a facade and may not be as glamorous as it appears. Someone who has a desire to steal money for a passion is obviously not a good thing. Crime doesn’t pay, and the severity of her sentence given down by the judge also says that they take this type of crime very seriously.
Sandra Morgan–It was sad that this happened, but I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to continue the showing and breeding career of Good I Will Be–it is an unfortunate circumstance, but hopefully, we can turn something negative into a positive for our industry.
Dr. Steve Jensen–The punishment matches the crime. The citizens of Dixon were significantly and irreversibly damaged by her actions. Her actions also were extremely damaging to the horse industry. Hundreds of participants have left the industry, discouraged by the unfair advantages that existed with Rita. Due to her manipulation of the system and the present economic situation, it may well take industry a decade or even two decades to recover if it can.
Stephanie Lynn–I find the whole situation surrounding Rita extremely sad. She presented herself to our world, the horse world, as a kind, compassionate and generous person. She obviously has a serious sickness that none of us were aware of. Fortunately, it is not for us to judge her behavior. Many would struggle with conflicted feelings. I pray she will get the help she needs and the people of Dixon can find some peace and closure with her sentencing.
Kevin Smith–That’s more than I thought she would get but not more than she should have received. I hope this gives the people of Dixon some closure and allows them to recover.
Jan Shepherd Pittman–Based on the sentencing guidelines, I do not believe the courts showed Rita any leniency. She will be almost 80 years old by the time she is released.
Debby Brehm–I think that it is an appropriate sentence because even with time off for good behavior, she will be 77-80 years old when she gets out. I’m glad this is over because all the press has been a real black eye to the horse industry.
Candace Jussen–So sad to think how people can become. What part of winning or being accepted is worth this ruin of a life? This is so much more than just about horses…it’s about your core makeup. And, even more so, people that jumped on the band wagon–just for the glory ride. In my eyes, they are guilty too for feeding the frenzy of winning as the ultimate goal regardless how many people it hurts.
Patria Maulden–I thought the length of time was appropriate. I read the prosecution’s argument on her sentencing, and she should have received the maximum for her crime. I feel sad for her, the horse industry, and the town of Dixon that she was able to steal for that long and change so many people’s lives in a negative way.
Cristy Browning Heck–No matter how long she serves, it will never replace what she stole from the people of Dixon or the damage she did to the quarter horse industry. At least she saved the cost of a trial!
Darol Rodrock–It is tragic for her and tragic for the people involved. It is sad that she valued money more than herself. People who cheat, cheat themselves. Rita didn’t understand that she had already been blessed by God and she should have been happy with what He had provided for her.
Debbi Trubee–It is hard for me to reconcile the person she presented herself as and the person she really was.
Susan Knapp–It is very sad. There are no winners in a deal like this.
