Former Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, once dubbed the super mayor, invoked her Fifth Amendment rights during a court hearing on Friday June 6. The “super mayor” failed to deliver public records as ordered, triggering a contempt proceeding that highlights deeper concerns over accountability in local governance.
In court, Henyard’s attorney Beau Bridley “pleaded the Fifth on his client’s behalf after she was ordered to hand over public records from her time in office.” The legal action stemmed from a lawsuit brought by Edgar County Watchdogs Inc., which claimed Henyard’s administration ignored Freedom of Information Act requests and withheld key financial documents. This refusal followed earlier findings that she had been held in contempt previously for failing to turn over similar records .
Henyard lost re-election in a landslide and was succeeded by Jason House in May. Her tenure drew significant scrutiny, including an audit led by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. That review revealed a drop from a $5.6 million surplus to a $3.6 million deficit and identified over $779,000 in village credit card charges in 2023. The audit also noted an FBI subpoena related to a land deal tied to her boyfriend, issued the same day Henyard suffered a primary defeat.
Edward “Coach” Weinhaus, attorney for Edgar County Watchdogs, warned, “The former mayor is about to find out if losing an election is enough to escape contempt of court.” That pointed statement underscores that election losses don’t absolve public officials from legal obligations.
Henyard once defended herself by saying she was the “face” of the village but not responsible for record-keeping. Yet that claim raised criticism, as the court and watchdogs emphasize the mayor’s role inherently includes ensuring compliance with transparency laws.
Despite no criminal charges at this stage, the ongoing contempt hearing signals rising pressure. The court is expected to rule soon on potential penalties if Henyard continues to resist providing the requested records.
