
Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard faces legal trouble over liquor license delays, with a judge finding her in contempt of court amid broader corruption allegations.
Why even run as mayor if you don’t want to…do your job?
At a Glance
- Mayor Henyard found in contempt for failing to sign liquor licenses for St. Patrick’s restaurant
- Judge issues indirect criminal contempt charge after Henyard’s evasive responses in court
- Restaurant owners seeking damages and third license after months-long delay
- FBI reportedly investigating Henyard for alleged corruption in Dolton and Thornton Township
- Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot investigating misuse of taxpayer dollars allegations
Liquor License Dispute Escalates to Court
Dolton, Illinois, Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s refusal to sign liquor licenses for a local business has led to a legal showdown, culminating in a contempt of court ruling. And she could be going to prison.
The owners of St. Patrick’s restaurant and banquet hall initiated legal action after enduring months of delays in obtaining necessary licenses, despite approval from the village board.
The situation reached a boiling point when Henyard, who also serves as the Village Liquor Commissioner, failed to meet a court-imposed deadline to sign the licenses. Cook County Judge Cecilia Horan subsequently held Henyard in indirect criminal contempt for disrespecting the court’s authority.
Attorney Adrian Vuckovich, representing the restaurant owners, expressed frustration with the prolonged process.
“It’s been a challenge to put it mildly. It shouldn’t be so difficult. This is an ordinary event to get liquor licenses issued,” Adrian Vuckovich said.
The delay has not only affected the business owners but also the community at large. Tiffany Kamara, one of the owners of St. Patrick’s, lamented the missed opportunities for job creation and community use of the building. “This should have been over in November,” Kamara stated, highlighting the financial losses incurred due to the prolonged wait.
Mayor’s Defense and Ongoing Legal Battle
Henyard’s attorney, Max Solomon, attempted to explain the delay, citing issues with the documents. “It is very important for people to understand that the documents signed today had another entity on there. That was the holdup. That was the only thing,” Solomon claimed.
Despite this explanation, the judge’s ruling stands, and Henyard now faces potential punishment for her actions. The restaurant owners are pursuing the third license and seeking fines, attorney fees, and damages from the mayor.
The liquor license dispute is just one facet of the legal scrutiny surrounding Mayor Henyard. Reports indicate that the FBI is investigating Henyard for alleged corruption in both Dolton and Thornton Township. Additionally, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been tasked with investigating claims of misuse of taxpayer dollars and other allegations against Henyard’s administration.
These compounding issues have raised serious concerns about Henyard’s governance and ethical standing. As the legal proceedings continue, Dolton residents and local business owners await resolution and accountability from their elected officials.