A Federal Subpoena and Ongoing Investigation into Tiffany Henyard’s Tenure
A federal subpoena has been issued to Tiffany Henyard, the self-proclaimed "super mayor" of Dolton, Illinois, as part of a criminal investigation into her activities during her time in office. The subpoena, signed on February 25, the same day Henyard lost the mayoral primary by a landslide, is tied to a development project involving land once owned by her boyfriend, Kamal Woods. The subpoena demands a wide range of documents, including citations, code violations, emails, phone calls, and text messages between property owners, tenants, and village personnel. Additionally, it requests correspondence involving Woods, who is directly connected to the development project in question. This subpoena is the latest development in an ongoing federal probe into Henyard’s actions as both village mayor and township supervisor.
Tiffany Henyard’s Tumultuous Tenure and Mayoral Primary Loss
Tiffany Henyard’s tenure as mayor of Dolton has been marked by controversy and turmoil. Her administration has faced numerous subpoenas, including one served in April that requested personnel and disciplinary files for nearly 30 individuals. Another subpoena sought all documents related to indicted village administrator Keith Freeman, who has been accused of making false statements and failing to report income in his bankruptcy petition. On February 25, Henyard’s political career suffered a significant blow when she was ousted in the mayoral primary, with nearly 88% of the vote going to her opponent, Trustee Jason House. House, who once considered himself an ally of Henyard, ran on a platform of transparency and accountability, vowing to restore trust in Dolton’s government. On Election Day, House emphasized the need for openness, stating, "Day one, every record will be turned over."
Financial Mismanagement and the Lori Lightfoot Probe
Henyard’s administration has been under fire for alleged financial mismanagement. In 2021, when Henyard assumed office, the village’s general fund had a $5.6 million surplus. However, by 2024, this surplus had dwindled to a $3.6 million deficit, raising serious concerns about questionable credit card purchases and a lack of financial accountability. To investigate these issues, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, also a Democrat, was hired to probe Henyard’s handling of Dolton’s funds. Lightfoot’s report revealed significant financial irregularities, further fueling criticism of Henyard’s leadership. The report’s findings have been met with widespread concern, as residents and officials alike question how the village’s finances could deteriorate so rapidly under Henyard’s watch.
Civil Rights Violations and Legal Battles
Tiffany Henyard’s tenure has also been marred by allegations of civil rights violations and corruption. The ousted mayor is facing numerous lawsuits, many of which stem from accusations of abusive practices and misuse of power. These lawsuits allege that Henyard’s actions have not only deprived the public of transparent governance but also cost the village financially. As one trustee noted, Henyard’s alleged stonewalling and lack of accountability have had direct financial consequences for Dolton. The legal challenges against Henyard are just one aspect of the broader scrutiny she has faced, as federal authorities continue to investigate her activities.
A Viral Brawl and Public Fallout
One of the most dramatic moments of Henyard’s tenure came in January, when a viral video captured her involvement in a brawl during a Thornton Township Board of Trustees meeting. The altercation began when activist Jedidiah Brown criticized Henyard’s response to Lori Lightfoot’s financial probe. Brown’s remarks were sharp, calling Henyard a "half-a– mayor" and questioning her handling of the village’s finances. The situation quickly escalated, with Henyard’s boyfriend, Kamal Woods, and Brown engaging in a physical fight in the back of the room. The incident drew widespread attention and further tarnished Henyard’s already beleaguered reputation. The brawl, caught on bystander video, showed punches being thrown and security struggling to restore order. The chaotic scene has become a symbol of the turmoil that has defined Henyard’s time in office.
Ongoing Investigations and the Road Ahead
The federal subpoena and ongoing investigations into Tiffany Henyard’s activities mark the latest chapter in a saga that has captivated and concerned the residents of Dolton. As authorities dig deeper into her alleged mismanagement and questionable dealings, the village is left to grapple with the consequences of her tenure. With Jason House’s victory in the mayoral primary, there is hope among some residents that a new era of transparency and accountability may be on the horizon. However, the legacy of Henyard’s scandal-plagued administration will likely be felt for years to come. As the legal and political fallout continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the story of Tiffany Henyard’s time as "super mayor" is far from over.
