Controversial Dolton Mayor and Others Facing Lawsuits over Township Board Brawl
Summary
Following a violent brawl that erupted during a heated township board meeting in January, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot found evidence of cover ups, excessive spending, and stonewalling liquor licenses by Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Lawsuits have been filed by Lavell Redmond and Jedidiah Brown against Henyard, her boyfriend Kamal Woods, and others, alleging retaliation for exercising free speech rights. The South Holland Police Department and Thornton Township security are also named in the lawsuits for failing to intervene.
Background
Mayor Tiffany Henyard of Dolton, Illinois, has been embroiled in controversy following a physical altercation that occurred during a township board meeting in January. The brawl involved Henyard, her boyfriend Kamal Woods, well-known critic Jedidiah Brown, and several others.
Allegations of Retaliation
Brown, an outspoken critic of Henyard, delivered scathing remarks at the meeting, prompting a physical altercation with Woods. Both Redmond and Brown allege that the brawl was retaliation for exercising their First Amendment rights to free speech, expression, and association.
According to court documents, Redmond attempted to mediate the situation before Woods became physical. Redmond then punched Woods in an attempt to defend himself and Brown. Henyard is accused of hitting both Brown and Redmond with her microphone during the melee.
Failure to Intervene
The lawsuits additionally allege that the South Holland Police Department and Thornton Township security failed to adequately intervene and prevent the escalation of violence.
Mayor Henyard’s Previous Scandals
The January brawl is not Mayor Henyard’s first brush with controversy. A report by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot revealed "a systemic effort" by Henyard to conceal financial overspending. The city’s credit card spending had surged to $779,638 in 2023, with insufficient documentation and evidence of business development opportunities resulting from trips to Las Vegas charged to city credit cards.
Henyard has also been found in contempt of court for obstructing the issuance of liquor licenses. The owners of St. Patrick’s restaurant and banquet hall accused Henyard of repeatedly stalling the approval process.
Significance
The lawsuits and ongoing investigations into Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s administration highlight concerns about transparency, ethical conduct, and respect for the rights of citizens. The outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant implications for the governance and public trust in Dolton, Illinois.
