East Central Reporter

A court has frozen $440,000 in the Village of Dolton's bank account following a hearing last week. This amount is twice the judgment against them, plus interest, due to a check not being tendered after the village board approved its payment.

The case, Graham v. Dolton (17L9898), involves allegations by Graham that the Village of Dolton engaged in retaliation against a whistleblower and violated several acts including the Public Employee Disability Act and the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Robert Collins Jr. was also named in these allegations.

There is an expectation that a seizure order will soon be issued, compelling the bank to release funds covering the judgment and interest to Graham, who prevailed in this legal battle.

The situation reflects ongoing issues under Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s administration regarding unpaid bills and judgments. A motion for Citation to Discover Assets had been filed against Dolton for failing to pay a judgment amounting to $220,194.56 related to this case.

In 2019, both parties reached a settlement with retained court jurisdiction over attorney fees. Initially awarded $100,000 in attorney fees by the court, this decision was appealed by Dolton and remanded back by the Appellate Court. Subsequently, on February 28, 2024, Cook County Circuit Court awarded Graham $203,018 in attorney fees and $13,147.16 in costs.

Dolton has not complied with this payment order leading to potential further freezing of their accounts until payment is made with interest.