This Police Chief Is Facing Decades in Prison
The village of Dolton, Illinois, is no stranger to controversy, but a recent scandal could be the most explosive yet. The town's Deputy Police Chief, Lewis Lacey, a close ally of embattled Mayor Tiffany Henyard, has been indicted on multiple bankruptcy fraud charges, spotlighting the murky financial dealings within the village's leadership. As the investigation deepens, questions loom about how far this scandal will reach.
Henyard's Right-Hand Man Under Fire
Deputy Police Chief Lewis Lacey has long been a trusted figure in Mayor Tiffany Henyard's administration, often seen at her side during public appearances. However, the federal indictment against him reveals a pattern of deceit, including hiding assets and underreporting income to dodge creditors. These charges stem from his multiple bankruptcy filings in 2019 and 2020, which allowed him to avoid settling a $55,000 lawsuit from 2017.
The Alleged Scheme
According to federal prosecutors, Lacey engaged in a deliberate scheme to manipulate his financial disclosures. He reportedly claimed to be separated from his spouse and downplayed his income, resulting in lower payments to creditors. This deceptive behavior not only violated bankruptcy laws but also raised serious questions about his integrity as a public official.
The Mayor's Role in the Scandal
Lacey was indicted in August 2024 and could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted. Lacey's indictment is just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Mayor Henyard. Critics have dubbed her the "Dolton Dictator," accusing her of lavish spending and misuse of public funds; she spent $33,000 in one day on Amazon. While Lacey's charges are not directly tied to village business, his close association with Henyard has fueled speculation that the federal probe may soon target the mayor herself. Henyard's administration has already faced subpoenas for financial records, suggesting that the investigation could expand.
Financial Mismanagement Under Scrutiny
The financial turmoil in Dolton doesn't stop with Lacey. Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, hired to investigate the village's finances, uncovered significant overspending within the police department, including over $200,000 in overtime pay for Lacey alone. These findings, coupled with Lacey's indictment, have intensified scrutiny of Henyard's leadership and the financial practices of her administration.
As the federal investigation into Dolton's leadership unfolds, the future of Mayor Tiffany Henyard and her inner circle remains uncertain. With her closest ally facing serious charges, the once unshakable grip Henyard had on the village might finally be slipping.
References: Police ally of 'Dolton Dictator' Tiffany Henyard indicted — as lawyer claims case brought to help take down mayor | Police ally of scandal-ridden Mayor Tiffany Henyard indicted on bankruptcy fraud charges
