In a shocking turn of events, the small village of Dolton, Illinois, has been plunged into a financial crisis under the watch of its so-called “super mayor,” Tiffany Henyard. An in-depth investigation has revealed a staggering misuse of public funds, with Henyard allegedly at the center of a spending spree that has driven the village deep into debt.
Henyard, who took office in April 2022, initially inherited a village budget boasting a $5.6 million surplus. But in just over a year, that surplus has evaporated, replaced by a crippling $3.6 million deficit. The revelations come from a probe led by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who was brought in by concerned Dolton trustees to uncover the truth behind the village’s sudden financial woes.
The investigation has unearthed shocking details about Henyard’s spending habits, including a jaw-dropping $40,000 splurge on Amazon in a single day. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The probe found a pattern of reckless spending, with a $7,700 shopping spree at Target, Walgreens, and Wayfair on September 1, 2023, adding to the growing list of questionable expenditures.
Lightfoot, while not directly naming Henyard as the individual responsible for these transactions, pointed out that her administration has been notoriously lax in providing purchase receipts, raising further suspicions about the misuse of funds. The situation has become so dire that the village, once financially stable, now struggles to cover its monthly expenses.
But the financial mismanagement doesn’t end with Henyard’s credit card spending. The investigation also uncovered alarming issues within the Dolton Police Department, where “rampant” overtime practices have allowed certain officers to double their salaries. Two officers, in particular, have raked in six-figure overtime payouts, with Deputy Chief Lewis Lacey topping the list. Lacey, who was recently fired and now faces nine counts of fraud, is accused of hiding his true income to gain an advantage in multiple bankruptcy lawsuits. He reportedly pocketed a staggering $96,000 in overtime last fiscal year alone, raising serious questions about the department’s oversight.
The fallout from these revelations has been swift and severe. Earlier this month, the Dolton Village Board of Trustees took decisive action, banning Henyard from using village credit cards. The trustees have now limited credit card use to the Director of Administrative Services and only for board-approved purchases. This move comes as a direct response to the mounting evidence of financial mismanagement under Henyard’s leadership.
Henyard, who earns a hefty $300,000 salary for her public duties, has faced growing criticism over her lavish lifestyle, which includes first-class travel, a professional hair and makeup team, and a personal security detail. Her spending habits have not only drained the village’s coffers but also attracted the attention of federal authorities. The FBI has launched an investigation into Henyard’s dealings, serving subpoenas in both Dolton and Thornton Township, where she also holds power.
The legal troubles don’t stop there. Henyard and her inner circle, including her charity, her boyfriend, and several close allies, have been named in the subpoenas, signaling that the investigation is far from over. Additionally, the mayor is embroiled in lawsuits, including one from a former employee who alleges he was wrongfully terminated for refusing to participate in one of her schemes.
Despite the mounting pressure and growing calls for her resignation, Henyard has stubbornly clung to her position. She was notably absent from a special meeting convened on Thursday to discuss the preliminary findings of the report. Her absence has only fueled further outrage among villagers who feel betrayed by a leader they once trusted.
As the investigation continues, the people of Dolton are left to grapple with the consequences of Henyard’s actions. The once-prosperous village now faces an uncertain future, burdened by debt and the shadow of scandal. The situation in Dolton serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that reckless leadership can have on a community.
