Dolton ‘super mayor’ Tiffany Henyard is target of FBI criminal probe, subpoenaed by feds
A criminal investigation has been initiated by federal authorities into Tiffany Henyard, the mayor of a troubled Chicago suburb. The self-proclaimed “super mayor” was served a subpoena last week, demanding a collection of business documents and financial statements.
Henyard, holding positions as the mayor of Dolton and the Supervisor of Thorntown Township, was confronted with subpoenas by FBI agents at the Thorntown Township Hall on Friday.
The contentious figure has been accused of using taxpayer funds for her own benefit, such as paying for a police security team and extravagant trips, sparking controversy.
Two subpoenas were issued against her, one targeting her personal work and the other centered on the township, as reported by the local station that has acquired copies.
The federal authorities are requesting records such as employee profiles, financial statements, timekeeping logs, agreements, and payments made to “cash” from various businesses owned by Henyard. These include a dining establishment, a real estate firm, her political group, and a foundation bearing her name.
According to Fox 32 Chicago, the second legal request demands a collection of financial records from the township, including budgets, payroll documents, and regulations related to credit card transactions, expense claims, refunds, security arrangements, and vehicle usage.
According to former FBI agent Ross Rice, the data being requested by federal authorities indicates that Henyard is the main focus of the investigation.
“It’s very broad in scope. It’s very broad in the number of people and entities they’re asking for records on. So there must be some serious allegations of wrongdoing that they’re trying to get to the bottom of,” Rice stated, who has reviewed the subpoenas.
Henyard is facing criticism for treating the local police as if they were her own private security, costing a hefty $1 million. Local authorities claim that her demands have hindered their effectiveness in performing their duties and ensuring public safety.
The Dolton village board all agreed to initiate a probe into her purported use of taxpayer funds, however, Henyard rejected the proposal with a veto in the previous month.
The board subsequently approved the appointment of ex-Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a former federal prosecutor, to scrutinize Henyard’s expenditures. They also extended an invitation to the FBI to initiate their own investigation.
According to a business proprietor who lodged a complaint with the FBI, the mayor has allegedly been the subject of numerous grievances. Lawrence Gardner, 57, disclosed to The Post that he notified authorities that Henyard closed down his transport company after he declined to renew a $3,500 political donation.
