By The Associated Press

ROCKFORD - Federal prosecutors say they only expect the city of Dixon to recover about $10 million of the almost $54 million stolen by its former comptroller.

Rita Crundwell was sentenced Thursday to almost 20 years in prison for what prosecutors described as a 20-year crime spree, and ordered to pay $53.7 million in restitution.

U.S. Marshals have been auctioning off her property, including jewelry, homes and furniture, to recover some of the money Crundwell stole from the small northern Illinois city.

Prosecutors say Crundwell stole the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including a nationally known horse-breeding operation.

Dixon mayor Jim Burke says the city doesn't want revenge, but the fact that Crundwell cooperated with investigators didn't mean she deserved leniency.

Crundwell made a tearful public apology at her sentencing. She sobbed in court on Thursday, telling the judge she was "truly sorry.'' She apologized to the city, her friends and her family.

Crundwell was taken into custody immediately after she was sentenced.