The former Dixon financial officer pleaded not guilty Monday to charges that allege she stole more than $53 million from the Illinois community.
Rita Crundwell will be represented by public defenders.
Prosecutors contend that Crundwell had been transferring Dixon's money to a secret account since 1990 and using the money to create one of the nation's leading horse-breeding operations, as well as buy luxury homes, cars and jewelry.
Crundwell and attorney, Paul Gaziano, refused to comment on the case.
A federal grand jury last month returned an indictment charging Crundwell with wire fraud for allegedly siphoning more than $53 million from Dixon since 1990 into a secret account.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
