Lightfoot Reveals Findings in Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard Financial Probe

DOLTON, Ill. (WLS) — Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday night presented the findings of her investigation into Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard‘s alleged financial mismanagement. The report, commissioned by Dolton trustees, revealed significant fiscal irregularities, including excessive spending and attempts to conceal the village’s financial condition.

Lightfoot’s investigation found that the village, which had a $5.5 million surplus when Henyard took office, is now more than $3.5 million in debt. The report highlighted questionable expenditures, including $43,000 in Amazon purchases in a single day and thousands spent at Wayfair and Best Buy. Additionally, travel expenses for nine domestic trips, including one to Las Vegas that is now the subject of a lawsuit alleging sexual assault and retaliation, were scrutinized.

“The report details consistent mismanagement of Village finances through excessive spending on non-essential goods and services,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “Systematic attempts by Mayor Henyard and others at her direction to hide the true financial condition of the Village from the Board of Trustees and the public were also uncovered.”

Residents expressed frustration and skepticism about Henyard’s leadership. “It’s very important for people to see the findings that Lori Lightfoot is going to give us because it’s a lot of people that are doubting that she’s really corrupt,” said resident Vivian Allen. Another resident, Naomi Lopresto, questioned Henyard’s justification for spending $43,000 on ice for a rink, calling it unbelievable.

Henyard, who is seeking re-election, has faced mounting criticism over her administration’s financial practices. The report also noted that village liability insurers refused to provide coverage to Henyard, potentially exposing Dolton to significant legal and financial risks.

Lightfoot’s investigation further revealed unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, failure to comply with reporting requirements, and misuse of taxpayer dollars. The report concluded that Henyard’s administration consistently evaded transparency, skirting Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws and failing to provide requested documents.

“The details in this report are significant, and we are confident the majority of Trustees will continue to take the necessary steps to safeguard the Village,” Lightfoot said. The findings come just weeks before Dolton’s primary election, adding pressure to Henyard’s re-election campaign.

ABC7 reached out to Henyard’s attorney for comment but did not receive a response.