Tiffany Henyard’s top lieutenant indicted

DOLTON, Ill — A top aide to Dolton mayor and Thornton Township supervisor Tiffany Henyard has been indicted for bankruptcy fraud; but experts say Keith Freeman’s personal troubles could spell bigger problems for his boss.

“Nobody is untouchable, said Dolton trustee Kiana Belcher.  “If this is the first domino to fall, let it happen.”

A federal indictment says Freeman not only failed to report his income from the village of Dolton, but actively hid it during bankruptcy proceedings by using a pass-through company and new bank.

“Freeman falsely represented that his only employment was as the municipality manager of Thornton Township, when he knew that he was also the village administrator of the Village of Dolton,” the indictment states.

Prosecutors alleged that Freeman underreported his income by $95,000 last year. The indictment further states that Freeman failed to report the village of Robbins had a claim against seeking to recover more than $90,000 he obtained “in excess of his authorized salary.”

“If a person can lie on their own financials what do you think they’re doing for the village,” asked Dolton trustee Tammy Brown.  She is among a group of trustees who have been demanding explanations and transparency from Mayor Henyard.

For months, WGN Investigates has reported on questionable conduct on Henyard’s watch including unexplained travel including first class airfare and fine dining on the taxpayer’s dime. Credit card statements show Freeman was on many of the trips, including one to Las Vegas where another Henyard aide now claims a Dolton trustee sexually assaulted her. Others accuse Henyard of using Freeman and other government employees to retaliate against her opponents.

Court watchers say the feds could use the bankruptcy charge against Freeman to get him to cooperate in other investigations.  “That’s the leverage they need to sit them down and say ‘if you help us life might be good for you – if you don’t help us, you’re in a lot of trouble.  Now what do you want to do?’” said WGN political analyst Paul Lisnek.

Henyard’s administration hasn’t said whether the bankruptcy charge will end Freeman’s run as her top aide in Dolton and Thornton Township.  “We are aware of the indictment made against Mr. Freeman,” read an emailed statement from a public relations firm that represents both governments. “As this is an ongoing investigation, we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”

Henyard has faced new anger and protest from residents of the south suburban communities she represents with some yelling at public meetings that they are “fed up.”  Her opposition on the Dolton village board has gone so far as to hire former Chicago mayor – and former federal prosecutor – Lori Lightfoot to investigate Henyard.

“One down and about 25 more to go,” quipped former Dolton trustee Valeria Stubbs after hearing the news of Freeman’s indictment.

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