An investigation has been initiated by the FBI into alleged misconduct by Dolton, Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Henyard, who has dubbed herself as the "super mayor," faces allegations of plunging the Village of Dolton into $7 million debt since assuming office in 2021.
As per WGN News, Henyard is known to show up at village meetings in attire reminiscent of the character Nino Brown from the 1991 film "New Jack City."
In a photo on her Instagram page, Henyard is seen posing in her office with a stuffed toy dog, reminiscent of the real dog Nino Brown had in New Jack City.
Dolton, a village located just south of Chicago, is home to 20,000 residents. The village's population consists of over 90% individuals of African descent.
Mayor Henyard faces allegations of using more than $1 million in taxpayer money to pay for a team of police officers for security.
During a 2-week period, one officer received payment for 332 hours of overtime. There are a total of 336 hours in a span of 14 days. The amount on his paycheck exceeded $13,000.
Residents have reported that Henyard has allocated significant funds towards luxurious trips, events, and even an ice rink.
City Council members halted payments for the ice skating rink installation, but Henyard circumvented their decision by hiring another company to finish the job.
The residents find the spending to be overwhelming. There are numerous parties and events happening. Discussing the allocation of resources to create the appearance of progress despite financial constraints, Dolton, Illinois trustee Kiana Belcher shared with the NY Post.
"A million dollars of overtime for the police department is excessive." "We are unable to afford it," Belcher stated.
Henyard maintained her position as Thornton Township Supervisor while also fulfilling her responsibilities as mayor. She makes $285,000 a year from her two elected positions. She plans to utilize two pensions once she retires.
The data acquired through a public records request by WGN News revealed that Henyard and other officials utilized almost $67,000 of Thornton Township funds for trips to Portland, Austin, Atlanta, and New York City.
An outspoken opponent of Henyard's is convinced that the mayor arranged for someone to attack her property.
Valeria Stubbs, a former Village of Dolton Trustee, reported that two cars owned by her tenants were shot multiple times in July.
Stubbs, a former Cook County Sheriff’s Office member, stated that the drive-by shooting took place following her allegations of Henyard misusing taxpayer funds.
FOX 32 News has extensively reported on Henyard’s suspected misconduct for almost two years. According to the outlet, federal agents are currently in the Village of Dolton conducting interviews with residents regarding the mayor.
Lawrence Gardner, the owner of a U-Haul rental and trucking business, informed FOX 32 that he had reached out to the FBI several months prior.
Gardner was frustrated by the Village of Dolton's requirement to donate to Henyard's reelection campaign in order to renew his business license.
Gardner reported being harassed and having his business raided and shut down by Dolton Police.
FOX 32 has discovered that the FBI interviewed at least six individuals in Dolton. Electronic surveillance equipment was utilized by the authorities during their investigation.
According to a source who spoke to FOX 32, federal authorities are investigating Mayor Henyard for potential misuse of tax dollars in police overtime, alleged use of public employees and tax dollars for personal gain, and delaying licenses for specific businesses.
According to a PR firm speaking on behalf of Henyard, Mayor Tiffany Henyard and the Village of Dolton have not been served any subpoenas or contacted by the FBI or any other law enforcement agency, as reported by FOX 32 News.
As per WGN News, Henyard is known to show up at village meetings in attire reminiscent of the character Nino Brown from the 1991 film "New Jack City."
In a photo on her Instagram page, Henyard is seen posing in her office with a stuffed toy dog, reminiscent of the real dog Nino Brown had in New Jack City.
Dolton, a village located just south of Chicago, is home to 20,000 residents. The village's population consists of over 90% individuals of African descent.
Mayor Henyard faces allegations of using more than $1 million in taxpayer money to pay for a team of police officers for security.
During a 2-week period, one officer received payment for 332 hours of overtime. There are a total of 336 hours in a span of 14 days. The amount on his paycheck exceeded $13,000.
Residents have reported that Henyard has allocated significant funds towards luxurious trips, events, and even an ice rink.
City Council members halted payments for the ice skating rink installation, but Henyard circumvented their decision by hiring another company to finish the job.
The residents find the spending to be overwhelming. There are numerous parties and events happening. Discussing the allocation of resources to create the appearance of progress despite financial constraints, Dolton, Illinois trustee Kiana Belcher shared with the NY Post.
"A million dollars of overtime for the police department is excessive." "We are unable to afford it," Belcher stated.
Henyard maintained her position as Thornton Township Supervisor while also fulfilling her responsibilities as mayor. She makes $285,000 a year from her two elected positions. She plans to utilize two pensions once she retires.
The data acquired through a public records request by WGN News revealed that Henyard and other officials utilized almost $67,000 of Thornton Township funds for trips to Portland, Austin, Atlanta, and New York City.
An outspoken opponent of Henyard's is convinced that the mayor arranged for someone to attack her property.
Valeria Stubbs, a former Village of Dolton Trustee, reported that two cars owned by her tenants were shot multiple times in July.
Stubbs, a former Cook County Sheriff’s Office member, stated that the drive-by shooting took place following her allegations of Henyard misusing taxpayer funds.
FOX 32 News has extensively reported on Henyard’s suspected misconduct for almost two years. According to the outlet, federal agents are currently in the Village of Dolton conducting interviews with residents regarding the mayor.
Lawrence Gardner, the owner of a U-Haul rental and trucking business, informed FOX 32 that he had reached out to the FBI several months prior.
Gardner was frustrated by the Village of Dolton's requirement to donate to Henyard's reelection campaign in order to renew his business license.
Gardner reported being harassed and having his business raided and shut down by Dolton Police.
FOX 32 has discovered that the FBI interviewed at least six individuals in Dolton. Electronic surveillance equipment was utilized by the authorities during their investigation.
According to a source who spoke to FOX 32, federal authorities are investigating Mayor Henyard for potential misuse of tax dollars in police overtime, alleged use of public employees and tax dollars for personal gain, and delaying licenses for specific businesses.
According to a PR firm speaking on behalf of Henyard, Mayor Tiffany Henyard and the Village of Dolton have not been served any subpoenas or contacted by the FBI or any other law enforcement agency, as reported by FOX 32 News.