Former Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, a Democrat, faces a contempt hearing after failing to turn over public records amid ongoing corruption investigations. The self-proclaimed ‘super mayor’ was ousted in a landslide election and is now dealing with legal repercussions as the Edgar County Watchdogs Inc. sued the village for failing to produce financial records. The contempt hearing follows her previous contempt charge and the federal subpoena related to a development project tied to her boyfriend’s land. Henyard is to appear in court on Friday after a tumultuous tenure marked by controversy and financial mismanagement.
Henyard’s legal troubles began earlier this year when the Edgar County Watchdogs Inc. sued the Village of Dolton and the former mayor for not complying with Freedom of Information Act requests. The lawsuit alleges that the administration disregarded transparency laws, leading to a significant public backlash. Attorney Edward ‘Coach’ Weinhaus emphasized the need to address the public exposure that has brought Illinois corruption into the national spotlight, highlighting the potential harm to the state’s reputation.
The former mayor’s administration reportedly faced severe financial issues, including a general fund deficit that fell from $5.6 million to $3.6 million. Lori Lightfoot, the former Chicago Mayor, was hired to lead an investigation into the village’s finances, revealing over $779,000 in credit card charges in 2023. This financial mismanagement contributed to Henyard’s defeat in the mayoral election and her subsequent legal battles.
Henyard’s tenure was marked by controversy, including a federal subpoena related to a development project involving land owned by her boyfriend. Despite not being charged, the legal proceedings have intensified, with Henyard now facing a contempt hearing. The village has appointed Jason House as its new mayor, ending Henyard’s tumultuous rule. The case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of local governance and the critical role of transparency in public administration.