State Funds Cut for Dolton Over Mayor's Alleged Misconduct
- Illinois Comptroller freezes funds for Dolton over alleged financial record failure.
- Mayor Tiffany Henyard accused of excessive spending, trying to reinstate indicted police chief.
- State Comptroller criticizes Mayor Henyard's conduct, orders to obey disgraced police ally.
The Illinois State Comptroller's Office has halted fund allocations to the Village of Dolton, citing the administration's failure to submit required financial records. This decision intensifies scrutiny on Mayor Tiffany Henyard, who faces accusations of excessive spending and corruption. The situation escalated when Henyard reappointed a deputy police chief, Lewis Lacey, who was indicted on bankruptcy fraud charges, raising further concerns about governance in the village. State Comptroller Susana Mendoza has expressed frustration over Dolton's lack of communication and compliance, noting that the village has not filed financial reports for 2022 and 2023. Mendoza warned that continued noncompliance could lead to forced audits and fines, in addition to the potential loss of approximately $135,000 in state offset payments. The village's financial health has deteriorated significantly, with a reported drop from a $5.61 million surplus in April 2022 to a $3.65 million deficit by May 2024. Compounding the turmoil, Henyard has reportedly instructed police to follow Lacey's orders despite his legal troubles, leading to confusion about his employment status. Tensions between Henyard and village trustees have surfaced, particularly regarding the handling of Freedom of Information Act requests, which the village clerk claims have been obstructed by administrator Keith Freeman, who is also facing federal charges. As the situation unfolds, Henyard's leadership is under increasing scrutiny, with reports highlighting her substantial salary compared to the village's median income, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and governance in Dolton.