Dolton, Illinois mayor Tiffany Henyard, others hit with federal lawsuit over fight at meeting

The Dolton Township Brawl: A Controversy Surrounding Mayor Tiffany Henyard

In January, a heated township board meeting in Dolton, Illinois, erupted into a violent brawl, drawing widespread attention and legal repercussions. At the center of the controversy is Mayor Tiffany Henyard, a figure long embroiled in scandal, and two plaintiffs, Lavell Redmond and Jedidiah Brown, who have filed lawsuits alleging that the altercation was an act of retaliation for exercising their constitutional rights to free speech, expression, and association. The incident has sparked debates about governance, accountability, and the limits of public discourse in local politics.

The Brawl: A Clash of Words and Fists

The confrontation began when Jedidiah Brown, a vocal critic of Mayor Henyard, delivered a scathing speech during the meeting. Brown’s remarks, which included a personal attack on Henyard, culminated in the inflammatory statement, “you gone, b—-.” This apparent slur directed at the mayor angered Kamal Woods, Henyard’s boyfriend, who is also named as a defendant in both lawsuits. Video footage captured by bystanders shows Woods and Brown exchanging punches, while Henyard can be seen rushing into the fray. It remains unclear whether Henyard was attempting to break up the fight or actively participating in it. However, both lawsuits accuse her of striking Redmond and Brown with her microphone.

Lavell Redmond, one of the plaintiffs, claims he attempted to mediate the situation to prevent physical escalation. According to his lawsuit, Redmond was forced to defend himself and Brown when Woods became aggressive. Redmond allegedly punched Woods in self-defense, a detail that underscores the chaos and confusion of the moment. Meanwhile, both lawsuits point to a failure of the South Holland Police Department and Thornton Township security to intervene, raising questions about their role in allowing the situation to spiral out of control.

A History of Scandal: Mayor Henyard’s Controversial Tenure

The brawl in January is far from the first controversy to engulf Mayor Henyard. Her tenure has been marked by allegations of mismanagement, financial irregularities, and a perceived disregard for accountability. In a bombshell report issued by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, it was revealed that Henyard oversaw a “systemic effort” to cover up excessive spending, including the use of city credit cards for large trips to Las Vegas in 2022 and 2023. The report highlights that these trips, funded at taxpayer expense, yielded no discernible benefits for the village of Dolton. Instead, they appear to have been personal indulgences, further eroding trust in Henyard’s leadership.

Financial Mismanagement: A Pattern of Questionable Spending

The financial mismanagement under Henyard’s leadership is a recurring theme in the controversy. In 2023, city credit card spending surged to $779,638, with little to no documentation or oversight. This lack of transparency has led to accusations of abuse of public funds, with critics questioning whether the money was used for legitimate municipal purposes or personal gain. The trips to Las Vegas, in particular, have drawn scrutiny, as they appear to serve no clear business or developmental purpose for Dolton. Lightfoot’s report suggests a culture of unchecked spending, with Henyard at the helm.

Legal Battles and Contempt of Court

Henyard’s troubles extend beyond the brawl and financial mismanagement. Days before Lightfoot’s report was released, Henyard was found in contempt of court for refusing to sign liquor licenses for St. Patrick’s restaurant and banquet hall. The owners of the establishment accused Henyard of stonewalling despite repeated promises to approve the licenses. This case highlights a broader pattern of defiance and disregard for legal and procedural norms, further fueling criticism of her leadership.

Conclusion: A Leadership Crisis in Dolton

The events surrounding Mayor Tiffany Henyard paint a picture of a leadership crisis in Dolton, Illinois. From the violent brawl at the township meeting to the allegations of financial mismanagement and contempt of court, Henyard’s tenure has been marked by controversy and a seeming disregard for accountability. The lawsuits filed by Lavell Redmond and Jedidiah Brown add another layer to this unfolding drama, raising questions about the limits of free speech, the role of law enforcement, and the accountability of public officials. As the legal battles unfold, the people of Dolton are left to grapple with the consequences of a leadership style that has polarized the community and brought unwanted attention to their village.