Investigation Finds Mayor Misused Taxpayer Money
- Lori Lightfoot's investigation reveals taxpayer funds misused by Dolton Village Mayor.
- Allegations of financial misconduct surface against Mayor Tiffany Henyard.
- Residents express concerns over public funds handling by the Village Mayor.
Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard is under scrutiny following an investigation initiated by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, which began in April. The investigation centers on the alleged mishandling of taxpayer funds, with Lightfoot revealing alarming findings at a recent village meeting. The Dolton Village General Fund reportedly has a negative balance of $3.65 million, raising concerns about the village's financial management. Among the troubling discoveries, a preliminary report indicated that over $43,000 in purchases were made on village credit cards at Amazon in a single day, with no clear justification provided. Additionally, significant sums were spent on gift cards, yet there are no records detailing their distribution. Lightfoot cautioned that these findings are preliminary, stating, “we have more work to do,” as the investigation continues to unfold. The report also highlighted excessive police overtime costs during Henyard's administration, with one officer earning $108,000 in fiscal year 2023 and $114,000 in fiscal year 2024, far exceeding their base salary. Allegations have surfaced that Henyard has misused village police for personal security and has pressured residents to contribute to her charity, the Tiffany Henyard Cares Foundation. Compounding the situation, Henyard is reportedly facing an FBI investigation regarding the potential misuse of taxpayer funds for personal gain. The scope of the investigation is extensive, involving numerous individuals and entities, as concerns mount over the integrity of Dolton's leadership.