The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is allegedly investigating allegations of misconduct against Tiffany Henyard, the Mayor of Dolton, Illinois.
This follows a complaint by a local entrepreneur who alleges he was penalized for declining to contribute to an event organized by the mayor.
Henyard, who had earlier shared an Instagram video of herself conversing with President Biden during a White House press conference on January 19, has been living a life of luxury, as reported by Fox News Digital. Her combined income is nearly $300,000, surpassing that of the state's governor. This is in stark contrast to the median income of Dolton's 23,000 residents, which stands at $24,000. The mayor has also been criticized for her public outbursts during meetings, where she accused her detractors among local leaders of "beating and attacking on a Black woman thats in power."
Lawrence Gardner, a Dolton-based U-Haul rental and trucking business owner, told FOX 32 that he approached the FBI after the Village of Dolton refused to renew his business license. Gardner alleges that he has been subjected to harassment, business raids, and shutdowns by the Dolton Police, which he believes are retaliatory actions for his refusal to donate to a civic event sponsored by Henyard.
"I talked to a couple of [FBI] agents and I explained to them whats going on," Gardner said to FOX 32. "I gave them all my paperwork to show them what was happening in court and what was happening in Dolton. And they told me they were investigating and would be in touch with me."
Gardner also reportedly stated that the FBI agents he interacted with took his allegations seriously, "Yes. Very serious. Very."
Gardner is among six individuals, including other business owners, a former village employee, and one or more public officials, who have reportedly spoken to the FBI about Henyards conduct.
FOX 32 also mentioned Dewayne Wood, a restaurateur who has been struggling to renew his business license for nearly a year. While Wood has not reportedly spoken to the FBI, he believes his difficulties in getting "Woods Kitchen" approved are due to his catering services to Dolton trustees, who are in a political feud with Henyard.
"I've heard rumors that say, hey I'm on the wrong team," Wood said, later adding, "I think I've been targeted because of my association, affiliation with a certain group of people. The trustees. I've cooked for the trustees."
One of the trustees reportedly welcomes the FBI investigation.
"The Board of Trustees and I have repeatedly questioned the Mayors Office on her use of public funds," Dolton Trustee Jason House wrote in a statement. "We welcome any investigation that will bring transparency on how taxpayer dollars are being spent. Our residents deserve this level of financial transparency."
A public relations firm representing Henyard told FOX 32 that she had not been contacted by the FBI so far.
"Mayor Tiffany Henyard and the Village of Dolton have not received any subpoenas and have not been contacted by the FBI or any other law enforcement agency," the firm said.
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