Embattled Dolton, IL Mayor Tiffany Henyard Facing Eviction Over Unpaid Rent
Tiffany Henyard, the Democratic mayor of Dolton, Illinois, is now facing a new challenge: eviction.
Henyard and her boyfriend, Kamal Woods, are reportedly behind on over $3,300 in rent for a home they have rented for the past three years, and the eviction notice, filed in Cook County Court, adds another layer of turmoil to the mayor's already embattled status in Dolton, as Fox News reports.
The eviction notice comes at a time when Henyard is already under fire for her allegedly extravagant spending habits and financial mismanagement. Despite the eviction claim, an attorney representing Henyard has denied that the couple owes rent, stating they have kept up with all payments.
Mayor Denies Rent Owed Amid Eviction Filing
According to the eviction notice, Henyard and Woods failed to pay rent on their residence. Adding to the controversy, reports claim Henyard has refused to allow the property to be inspected, which may complicate the legal proceedings.
Her attorney, however, insists that the eviction notice is inaccurate and that Henyard has consistently made her rent payments.
Henyard has drawn increasing criticism from both residents and officials for her personal and public spending habits. Accusations of financial mismanagement have mounted, sparking tense public meetings and investigations into her use of taxpayer money.
Investigations Reveal Financial Mismanagement in Dolton
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot previously investigated Henyard's spending in the Village of Dolton, revealing troubling findings. Lightfoot's preliminary report found that Dolton’s general fund balance, once over $5.6 million in 2022, had fallen to a deficit of $3.65 million by May 2024.
The investigation pointed to Henyard’s use of the village credit card for personal expenditures, including nearly $33,000 spent on Amazon in January 2023.
Henyard has also been accused of spending $85,000 on a party featuring high-profile entertainers, such as R&B singer Keke Wyatt and rapper J. Holiday. These revelations have only heightened scrutiny over her fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Contentious Meetings Escalate Tensions
The financial issues surrounding Henyard have spilled into public meetings, many of which have turned contentious.
In April, tensions between Henyard and residents led to a town hall meeting being shut down by police due to safety concerns. The situation has not improved since then. In June, another meeting ended in chaos when a scuffle broke out between Henyard’s supporters and opponents, requiring police intervention to restore order.
The most recent incident occurred at a Thornton Township meeting, where Henyard also serves as Township Supervisor. Trustees at the meeting demanded that Henyard be more transparent regarding her spending habits. The disorderly nature of these meetings has led to increased frustration among Dolton residents.
Henyard Accused of Extravagant Spending
Henyard’s spending habits have attracted national attention, with critics pointing to extravagant purchases made using taxpayer dollars. Aside from her Amazon spending and the costly party, Henyard has faced numerous allegations of using the village’s funds for personal luxuries. These accusations have deepened the controversy surrounding her administration.
Henyard has defended her actions, claiming that the accusations stem from personal vendettas within her board. "This is what I mean about my board," she said during one meeting. "It's a lot of hate, jealousy, and envy amongst them towards their supervisor."
Future Uncertain As Financial Troubles Mount
With mounting scrutiny and financial investigations underway, Henyard’s political future remains uncertain. The recent eviction notice adds to her troubles and could further damage her already fragile reputation. Meanwhile, Dolton continues to struggle with its budget shortfall, and residents are growing increasingly concerned about the town’s financial health.
Despite the numerous challenges she faces, Henyard remains defiant, maintaining that she has done nothing wrong. Her supporters continue to stand by her, while opponents push for more transparency and accountability in her leadership.
Conclusion: Henyard’s Legal and Political Challenges
Tiffany Henyard’s leadership of Dolton is under increasing pressure as legal challenges and allegations of financial mismanagement continue to surface.
The recent eviction notice has only intensified public scrutiny, as Henyard denies any wrongdoing regarding unpaid rent. Alongside the eviction, allegations of extravagant spending, police-involved town hall meetings, and investigations into Dolton’s budget have dominated her time in office.
With accusations mounting and an increasingly divided community, the future for Henyard as mayor remains uncertain.