Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot left citizens shocked after uncovering the preliminary findings of an investigation.
The investigation is looking into the supposed egregious abuse of funds by Dolton, Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard.
Extent of Alleged Misuse
Residents were informed by Lightfoot on Thursday night of the extent of Mayor Henyard’s alleged misuse.
Lightfoot expressed that in April 2022, Dolton’s general fund balance was $5.61 million.
Balance Deficit
By May 2024, the balance had plummeted to a deficit of $3.65 million.
Lightfoot stated, “As of May 30 of this year, the village’s general fund was in a net deficit position.”
Large Personal Purchases
Lightfoot additionally revealed that Henyard utilized the village credit card for transactions at Amazon, Target, Walgreens, Wayfair, and other retailers.
One stunning proclamation uncovered that the mayor had dropped $33,000 on Jan. 5, 2023, on Amazon.
“Using Your Tax Dollars”
Lightfoot explained to residents, “These are somebody using the credit card and charging these amounts using your tax dollars.”
Lightfoot was employed by the Village of Dolton in April as a “special investigator” to examine Henyard.
Disputed Overtime Pay
Lightfoot said that the preliminary investigation likewise uncovered that cops were grossly abusing taxpayer dollars.
The investigation uncovered that two cops had received overtime pay which surpassed their annual salaries.
Officer Compensation
One officer’s compensation for the fiscal year 2024 was $87,295, yet the cop received $114,800 in overtime pay.
The other officer, with a salary of $73,515, was the recipient of $102,077 in overtime pay for the fiscal year 2024.
“Spent All of Our Tax Money”
A July 2023 estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the city has a population of slightly more than 20,000 people and is proving to be a sensitive topic for Dolton.
One resident told FOX 32, “I am devastated that this woman came into our town and spent all of our tax money.”
“I Suspected it All Along”
The resident continued to state: “We have senior citizens that can’t even afford basic necessities. I suspected it all along.”
Another person commented on the situation stating, “Tiffany needs to be locked up.”
“Made an Example Out Of”
The resident went on to say: “She needs to be made an example out of.”
“She cannot be using our money and spending it however she wants to, like this job comes with a cash register.”
FBI Investigation
Henyard has been dubbed the “worst mayor in America” by critics, and the findings, which have recently been made public, come at a turbulent time.
The allegations of monetary wrongdoings have incited an ongoing FBI investigation.
Alleged Sexual Assault
She has also been criticized for an alleged sexual assault that took place on a trip to Las Vegas by one of her allies.
The alleged victim claims that she was fired for speaking out following the allegations.
Henyard’s cancer charity is additionally facing scrutiny following the expense revelations.
