Dixon, IL | 8. Home Sweet Home
Summary
This episode covers the 2018 screening of the documentary "All the Queen's Horses" in Dixon, Illinois, where filmmaker Kelly Pope and federal marshal Jason Widillo discuss the $53 million fraud committed by former comptroller Rita Crundwell. The narrative shifts to Crundwell's prison life, highlighting her friendship with inmate Clarissa Burgoon and her correspondence with John, a janitor who advocated for her early release. As the pandemic prompted Crundwell to request compassionate release, the town reacted with anger, yet she was eventually returned to Dixon under monitoring. The story c…
Topics discussed
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Dixon theater screening of All the Queen's Horses
Q&A with filmmaker Kelly Pope
Federal Marshal Jason Widillo on case status
Remorse and the invisible shell around Rita
Clarissa Burgoon's story at Waseca prison
Meeting Rita and watching soap operas
Rita cleaning bathrooms and talking horses
Clarissa defends Rita's conscience
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John writes to Rita questioning her sentence
Rita's response and request for clemency
John and Rita's ongoing correspondence
Rita's letter citing health and COVID
Dixon community opposes early release
Rita released and returned to Dixon
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Dixon residents reflect on the scandal
John's studio and the end of contact
Driving past Rita's brother's house
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Credits and special thanks
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