Edgar County Watch Dogs
Recent News About Edgar County Watch Dogs
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Dolton’s Law Firm Refuses to Represent Village, Citing Mayor's Conduct
Dolton, Ill. (ECWd) –We recently published the Del Galdo Law Group (Dolton’s legal firm) Motion to Withdraw on one of our FOIA lawsuits against the village of Dolton. We have now obtained a copy of the three-page letter from Del Galdo to Mayor Tiffany Henyard and the Village of Dolton Trustees, which, while not surprising, is fairly damning, and shows how far down an out-of-control Mayor can drag one village while prosecutors appear to slow-walk any accountability.In the letter, an unnamed source from Del Galdo Law Group stated, "We believe Del Galdo should have demanded,...
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Shelby County State’s Attorney Resigns Effective May 10, 2024
Shelby County State’s Attorney Rob Hanlon has submitted his resignation letter, with an effective date of May 10, 2024, at 4 pm, citing alternative opportunities available to him as the reasoning. The County Board now has 60 days to appoint a new State’s Attorney as outlined in the election code.It is reported that Ruth Woolery, the only candidate who ran for State’s Attorney in the last primary, is set to be hired as an Assistant State’s Attorney this week to facilitate an effective transition in case she is appointed to fill the remainder of the term.In his...
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Dr. Chris Boehm of Findlay Facing Class B Misdemeanor Obstruction Charge – UPDATED
In an update regarding Dr. Chris Boehm of Findlay, it has been revealed that he is now facing a Class B Misdemeanor for obstruction of service. According to a charge sheet, Boehm allegedly hid in his house to avoid service. The offense is detailed as follows: "That on or about April 15, 2024, in Shelby County, the defendant, CHRISTOPHER J. BOEHM, committed the offense of OBSTRUCTING SERVICE OF PROCESS..."Boehm's recent legal troubles stem from his actions surrounding a Grand Jury proceeding. Initially facing an indirect criminal contempt charge for refusing to testify,...
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Dolton’s Keith Freeman Pleads Not Guilty, Posts Bond, Release Conditions Sealed
Dolton, Ill. (ECWd) – Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s right-hand-man, Keith Freeman, appeared in federal court on April 24, 2024, and pleaded Not Guilty to the federal indictment of bankruptcy fraud. Freeman's Bond was set at $4500 (unsecured). The conditions of his release are currently sealed in the federal docket.According to the document, Freeman's initial appearance and arraignment were held on April 24, 2024, where he was represented by counsel. The government informed Freeman of the charges against him, and he entered a plea of not guilty to the indictment. Both parties...
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FBI Served Subpoenas to Thornton Township Where Supervisor Tiffany Henyard Works
South Holland, Ill. (ECWd) –Fox 32 and Wirepoints have reported on the FBI’s service of subpoenas to Thornton Township where Dolton’s Mayor Tiffany Henyard is also the Township Supervisor. Federally Indicted Keith Freeman is employed by both Thornton Township and the Village of Dolton.According to the article, "It is currently unknown what information the FBI demanded in these subpoenas." The subpoenas come on the heels of those served on Dolton village hall last week. The FBI's actions have brought attention to the local government entities in the area."We will provide...
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Village of Dolton's legal team seeks withdrawal from FOIA lawsuit
The Del Galdo Law Group, LLC, representing the Village of Dolton, has filed a motion to withdraw from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. The motion cites Supreme Court Rule 1.16(a)(6), which allows withdrawal if representation results in an unreasonable financial burden or becomes unreasonably difficult due to the client.
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Shelby County Farm Committee approves draft ordinance on farmland status
The Shelby County Farm Committee convened to deliberate on various issues related to the county farm. The meeting agenda was revised prior to the session. The committee voted unanimously to approve a draft ordinance that would declare the county farmland as no longer necessary, appropriate, or required as originally acquired. This ordinance will now be presented to the full county board for consideration.
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Illinois debates taxation legality on portable sheds
The legality of taxing portable sheds in Illinois has become a contentious issue. According to Article IX section 5 of the Illinois State Constitution, taxation of personal property is abolished. However, a recent publication from Township Officials of Illinois has suggested that local assessors might have grounds to tax portable sheds based on a ruling from a Property Tax Appeal Board case, rather than state law.
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Watchdog training event scheduled for April 13 in Glen Ellyn
The Edgar County Watchdogs, in collaboration with Jeannie Ives from Breakthrough-Ideas, Diane Benjamin of BLNNEWS, Amanda Piker, a No Gotion activist, and Brittney Norwood, a Dolton whistleblower, are set to host an event focused on watchdog training and local government accountability. The gathering will take place at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn on Saturday morning, April 13, 2024.
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Federal probe targets Dolton official amid bankruptcy fraud charges
Dolton, Illinois is under scrutiny as a federal investigation progresses involving its village administrator, Keith Freeman. The small community on the south side of Chicago has gained attention due to Mayor Tiffany Henyard's actions.
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Arraignment date set for Keith Freeman on bankruptcy fraud charges
Keith Freeman, a close associate of Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, is set to appear in federal court for an arraignment and detention hearing on April 24, 2024. The hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m.
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Controversial display by Dolton officials raises concerns over public fund usage
Dolton, Illinois, April 23, 2024 – A recent public display involving Dolton's Mayor Tiffany Henyard, Trustee Andrew Holmes, Police Chief Lacey, and members of the Dolton Police Department has sparked controversy. The incident was captured on video and shared online.
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Champaign County auditor faces scrutiny over inappropriate content allegations
Reports have emerged about inappropriate content allegedly found on the computer of Champaign County Auditor, George Danos, in 2023. A forensic analysis was conducted after a complaint was filed regarding the matter.
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Shelby County Board addresses courthouse window issues amid safety concerns
The Shelby County Board has scheduled an emergency meeting for April 22, 2024, at 7 p.m. The main topic of discussion will be the courthouse windows. Recent social media posts have criticized the county board for delays in replacing these windows. However, the board emphasizes that its role is limited to approving funds for maintenance and repairs.
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Keith Freeman accused of misleading bankruptcy trustee about Dolton employment
Records from the Village of Dolton indicate that Keith Freeman was employed by the village and continues to be, although his paycheck does not have payroll taxes deducted. This information comes from a Freedom of Information Act request regarding payments made to Freeman.
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FBI conducts court-authorized raid at Dolton Village Hall
The FBI has confirmed a raid on Dolton Village Hall, according to both a Village Trustee and ABC7-Chicago. The operation started shortly after 2 p.m. today. There is no information available regarding what the authorities are searching for, but it has been noted that the action is court-authorized.
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DeWitt County case under review by Illinois Attorney General's office
The Illinois Attorney General's Office has accepted a review of a potential criminal case involving DeWitt County Board Chairman Dan Matthews. The investigation concerns purchases made from CDS Office Technologies, where Matthews serves as Vice President of Sales.
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Court hears misinformation claims in Wesley Township FOIA case
During a court hearing on February 29, 2024, regarding the Brzana v. Wesley Township Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit, there was a discrepancy concerning the attendance of plaintiffs. Both Wesley Township's attorney and the presiding judge suggested that plaintiffs were required to appear in person.
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Champaign County auditor faces scrutiny over alleged misuse of county computers
Towards the end of the April 18, 2024, Champaign County Board Meeting, County Auditor George Danos was questioned about ethics after mentioning the topic in his presentation. A board member raised concerns that Danos had used a county computer to file his personal campaign finance report with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
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Church challenges mayor in federal court over zoning dispute
Attorneys for the Redeemed Christian Church of Dolton, Illinois, are set to appear in federal court on March 26, 2024. They will request that the mayor of Dolton comply with existing laws. The church has filed a religious discrimination lawsuit against Mayor Tiffany Henyard and the Village of Dolton. Represented by the Chicago-based law firm Mauck & Baker, the church seeks a declaratory judgment or an injunction.