Lori Lightfoot Heads Investigaton of Illinois Mayor

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Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was appointed on Monday to investigate corruption allegations against Tiffany Henyard, mayor of Dolton, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.

In February, trustees for Dolton approved a resolution asking for a federal investigation into Henyard, who was accused of misappropriation of taxpayer funds.

“She has taken lavish trips with village staff, and has caused the village to be in a multi-million-dollar deficit,” trustee Jason House said.

During a recent town council meeting, residents erupted on Henyard telling her to “get out” and calling her the “worst mayor in America.” Henyard, meanwhile, describes herself as a “Democrat super mayor.” She is accused of spending large sums of money on self-promotion with billboards around town brandishing her face as well funding private security, first-class accommodations, and stylists.

Henyard also is accused of taking a lavish taxpayer-funded trip to Las Vegas last year and slow-walking the needs of local business owners who do not meet her contribution demands.

Lightfoot, who has a background in federal litigation, will make $400 an hour plus expenses to investigate Henyard. Lightfoot is obligated to provide a full summary of her investigation when her bill reaches $30,000.

Lawrence Gardner, who runs a trucking company in Dolton, told local ABC7 News that when he stopped donating, his business was shut down after a licensing dispute and has not been able to reopen.

“Because I wouldn’t donate the money anymore. I wouldn’t give her any more money,” Gardner said.

Gardner said some federal agencies were already looking into Henyard.

“I’ve been talking to them periodically and they said there was multiple agencies investigating Dolton and Mayor Henyard, so be patient,” he said.

“The people in this village want something different. They want to go in a different direction,” Lightfoot said Monday. “The residents of Dolton deserve nothing less than a government that is fully accountable, responsive, transparent and effective stewards of your precious tax dollars.”

A law firm representing Dolton cautioned the trustees that they “do not have the power to investigate, or to retain someone to investigate” and that Henyard would not approve any payments to Lightfoot.