Police Chief Indicted for Bankruptcy Fraud

In a significant development for Dolton, Illinois, Deputy Police Chief Lewis Lacey was indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple bankruptcy fraud charges. The nine-count indictment accuses Lacey of bankruptcy fraud, making false statements, and perjury, stemming from his bankruptcy filings in 2019 and 2020. Lacey, a supporter of Mayor Tiffany Henyard, has faced scrutiny amid allegations of misusing taxpayer funds and other scandals surrounding the mayor's administration. The indictment alleges that Lacey made numerous false representations in his bankruptcy filings, including underreporting his income and concealing bank accounts. He is also accused of falsely claiming to be separated from his spouse, asserting that she did not contribute to his financial situation. Lacey has a history of filing personal bankruptcy petitions dating back to the 1980s, with the most recent filings occurring after a $55,000 settlement in a state lawsuit. Lacey's legal counsel, Gal Pissetzky, contends that the indictment is part of a broader effort to target Mayor Henyard, who is currently under federal investigation. The Dolton village board recently placed Lacey on administrative leave, a move Henyard described as politically motivated. This comes amid revelations from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot regarding Dolton's dire financial state, including excessive overtime payments to police officers. As the investigation unfolds, Lacey's indictment marks the second instance of a Dolton official facing federal charges related to bankruptcy fraud, raising questions about the integrity of the local administration.