FOX 32 has information that indicates the FBI has launched
an investigation into controversial Dalton Mayor and Thornton Township Supervisor
Tiffany Henyard.
Dan Placow has been following allegations of her miss spending
and joins us now with an update.
We've been reporting for nearly two years on allegations of
corruption surrounding Henyard.
In her capacity is Dalton Mayor and Thornton Township Supervisor.
And now we've learned from multiple sources that federal agents
are in fact interviewing witnesses as part of a possible
investigation that may or may not result in charges.
Did the FBI agents you talked to seem serious about?
Yes, very serious. Very serious.
Very. Lawrence Gardner owns a U-Haul rental and trucking business
in South suburban Dalton and says he went to the
FBI several months ago frustrated that the village of Dalton
would not renew his business license.
Gardner says he's been harassed and his business raided and
shut down by Dalton police,
he believes because he refused to make a donation to
a civic event sponsored by Dalton Mayor Tiffany Henyard.
And I talked to a couple of ages and I
explained them what was going on.
I gave them all my paperwork to show them
what was happening in court and what was happening in
Dalton,
and they told me they was investigating and they would
be in touch with me.
Gardner is one of six people who confirmed to Fox
32 that they've been interviewed by the FBI,
ranging from Dalton business owners to a former village employee
and at least one public official.
And we've learned the FBI has been using electronic surveillance
as part of its investigation.
Agents are asking questions about Henyard's alleged use of taxpayer
dollars and resources,
including massive spending on out of town trips,
hundreds of thousands of dollars in police overtime for her
personal security detail,
using public employees and tax dollars for personal benefit,
and holding up licenses to certain businesses like this Dalton
restaurant.
I've heard rumors to say,
hey, I'm on the wrong team.
Dwayne Wood has been trying to renew the business license
for his restaurant for nearly a year.
While he has not talked to the FBI,
he believes he can't get approved because he's provided catering
to several Dalton trustees who are engaged in a political
fight with Henyard.
I think I've been just targeted because of my association
affiliation with a certain group of people.
You know, I had the trustees,
I've. I've cooked for the trustees.
And in a lawsuit filed by a Dalton Towing Company,
the owner alleges their business license has been held up
because,
quote George's Towing's refusal to support or contribute to
Henyard's political campaign. In a statement,
Dalton Trustee Jason House reacted to the news of the
FB is involvement.
We welcome any investigation that will bring transparency on how
taxpayer dollars are being spent.
Our residents deserve this level of financial transparency.
We reached out to the FBI which said it is
policy for the agency not to comment on the nature,
existence or non existence of any investigation that may be
occurring.
A public relations firm responded on behalf of the mayor,
saying neither Hanyard or the village of Dalton have received
any subpoenas or been contacted by the FBI or any
other law enforcement agency.
Dane Placo, Fox 32, Chicago.