Illinois State Comptroller Suspends Funds to Village of Dolton Amid Allegations of Extravagant Spending by Mayor Tiffany Henyard
The Village of Dolton, Illinois, is facing financial turmoil as the Illinois State Comptroller Office has suspended funds allocated to the village due to its failure to submit financial records. The move comes as Mayor Tiffany Henyard is accused of extravagant spending that could potentially bankrupt the village.
Mayor Henyard, who has been embroiled in numerous controversies, has been accused of misdeeds, excessive spending, and allegations of corruption. The latest twist in the ongoing saga involves the reappointment of a fired deputy police chief to lead the department after he was indicted on bankruptcy fraud charges by a federal grand jury.
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza has taken action to safeguard the interests of Dolton’s citizens, stating that the village has been delinquent in filing annual reports, including financial statements and audits, over the last two years. The comptroller has suspended all “offset” funds to the village, which are collected from state payments withheld from individuals who owe fines to municipalities.
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot released preliminary findings into Dolton’s finances, revealing a significant drop in the general fund balance from a surplus to a deficit within a short period. Mayor Henyard has been accused of using the village credit card for personal purchases at various retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Walgreens.
The Illinois State Comptroller has warned that if Dolton continues to fail to file reports, forced audits and fines will be initiated per state statute. The village clerk has also alleged interference with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by the village administrator, who was charged with bankruptcy fraud earlier this year.
The accusations of financial misdeeds in Dolton have prompted an ongoing FBI investigation, with reports of alleged misconduct by Mayor Henyard and her allies. Despite the scrutiny, Mayor Henyard continues to face backlash from constituents and authorities alike.
The situation in Dolton remains tense as residents and officials grapple with the fallout of the alleged extravagant spending and financial mismanagement by Mayor Tiffany Henyard. The future of the village hangs in the balance as investigations continue and accountability is sought for the alleged misdeeds.
