Former Chicago Mayor Releases Preliminary Findings
On August 8, Lightfoot, who served as the mayor of Chicago from 2019 until 2023, released the findings of her investigation into Dolton’s finances.
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The preliminary findings reveal that excessive spending and Henyard’s mismanagement of state funding have caused Dolton’s balance to drop from around $5.6 million in April 2022 to a deficit of $3.65 million by May 2024.
Town of Dolton Hires Special Investigator
The former mayor of Chicago was hired as a special investigator by the Village of Dolton back in April to investigate Heyward’s management of the village’s funds.
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Regarding the drastic drop in the town’s funds, Lightfoot explained, “As of May 30 of this year, the village’s general fund was in a net deficit position,” per Fox News.
Henyard Caught Spending Town's Money at Amazon
In the report, Lightfoot reveals that Henyard had used Dolton’s credit card to make various purchases at online retailers, including Amazon, and other stores, including Target, Wayfair, and Walgreens.
Source: Wikimedia
One statement revealed a staggering $33,000 was spent at Amazon in just one day in 2023. “These are somebody using the credit card and charging these amounts using your tax dollars,” Lightfoot told Doton’s residents.
Police Officers Receive Enormous Overtime Payouts
Lightfoot’s investigation also revealed two police officers were given enormous overtime payments that exceeded their yearly salaries.
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“One officer’s salary for fiscal year 2024 was $87,295, yet the officer received $114,800 in overtime pay. The second officer, with a salary of $73,515, received $102,077 in overtime pay for fiscal year 2024,” per Fox News.
Residents Left Shocked by Henyard’s Spending
The small town, with a population of around 20,000, was left in utter shock and disbelief by the findings of the investigation.
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“I am devastated that this woman came into our town and spent all of our tax money,” said one resident. “We have senior citizens that can’t even afford basic necessities. I suspected it all along.”
Residents Call for Mayor to Be Locked Up
Many residents voiced their opinions on the findings, with a resounding call for Henyard to face criminal charges. “Tiffany needs to be held accountable,” said another resident.
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Adding, “She needs to be made an example out of, and that she cannot be using our money and spending it however she wants to like this job comes with a cash register.”
Illinois State Comptroller's Office Cuts Funding to Dolton
Henyards town is facing further financial problems. According to the Illinois State Comptroller’s Office, Dolton has failed to submit financial records for the past few years.
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This has led the Comptroller’s Office to announce it has halted any funding issued to the Village of Dolton during this controversial saga, per a separate report from Fox News.
Henyard Refuses Freedom of Information Acts
The decision to stop funding comes shortly after the self-proclaimed “super-mayor” reinstated a police chief who had previously been fired after being found guilty of bankruptcy fraud charges.
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The State Comptroller Office also revealed a clerk from Dolton informed them that Henyard had issued an order that prohibited employees from replying to any Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests
Funds to Dolton Stopped With Immediate Effect
In light of Lightfoot’s findings and Henyard’s reluctance to help, Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza was forced to suspend “offset” funds to Dolton with immediate effect.
Source: Freepik
“When municipalities around Illinois are having legitimate problems filing their annual reports with us, based on staffing or other issues, we earnestly work with them to get them into compliance,” Mendoza said in a statement.
Major Problems With Dolton Mayor’s Office Says State Comptroller
According to Mendoza, her office has contacted Dolton several times over the past two years, yet the Mayor’s office has failed to address the problems.
Source: Freepik
“Dolton is different. The Mayor’s office has refused to communicate with us or address the problem. If Mayor Henyard refuses to follow state law, my office will use the tools at our disposal to safeguard the interests of Dolton’s citizens,” she said.
Henyard Makes More than the State Governor
Reports suggest Henyard continues to live a luxurious life, earning an annual salary of around $300,000, which is significantly more than that of the governor of Illinois.
Source: Freepik
However, an ongoing FBI investigation and allegations of sexual assault, misuse of the town’s funds, and bank fraud continue to loom over the Mayor’s head; she’s in for a very difficult end to 2024, one which may leave her behind bars.