Illinois lawmakers expressed outrage after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of two state fraudsters who misused more than $700 million through their schemes.

The individuals were among nearly 1,500 whose sentences were commuted. One was Rita Crundwell, the former comptroller and treasurer of Dixon, Illinois.

She was convicted in 2013 of stealing $53.7 million from the city and received a more than 19-year prison sentence.

Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., criticized the move by the White House in a post on X.

“Rita Crundwell was just granted clemency,” he wrote. “This, after swindling Dixon, Illinois residents out of $54 million over decades. She pleaded guilty, got the max sentence, but only served 8 years. Her case remains the biggest municipal fraud case in U.S. history.”

“Getting off scot-free today is such a load of BS,” he added.

Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., also condemned the decision, calling it a display of the president’s “continued disregard for our justice system and rule of law.”

“Illinois’ history of corruption has marred our state with controversy and public distrust,” he wrote. “Leniency toward public officials who have abused their power — like Rita Crundwell — only further erodes the integrity of our institutions.”

“Commuting her 20-year sentence is a slap in the face to all the hardworking police officers, firefighters, city workers, and residents of Dixon,” he added.

Also granted clemency was former Sentinel Management Group Inc. CEO Eric Bloom, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2015 for defrauding hundreds of investors of more than $665 million. A judge described his offense as “enormous” and “devastating.”

The White House said the commutations were warranted due to changes in how laws are enforced.

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” the statement read. “I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences — many of whom would receive lower sentences if charged under today’s laws, policies, and practices.”

“These commutation recipients, who were placed on home confinement during the COVID pandemic, have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and have shown that they deserve a second chance,” the statement added.

Biden also pledged “more steps in the weeks ahead,” saying he is seeking ways to “advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.”

The president this month also issued a pardon for his son Hunter Biden after previously vowing not to. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., this week called for the president to extend the same courtesy to President-elect Donald Trump, specifically noting Trump’s New York hush money case, in which he was found guilty of 34 felony counts.

Have a news tip? Contact Jackson Walker at jacwalker@sbgtv.com or at x.com/jlwalker.