DOLTON, Ill. — Lewis Lacey, the acting police deputy chief in south suburban Dolton, is facing a new lawsuit over tens of thousands of dollars in overtime pay.
Lacey is being sued by the Village of Dolton for overtime they say he paid himself but was never eligible to receive.
The lawsuit alleges that between August of 2023 and July of 2024, Lacey submitted and approved nearly $140,000 in overtime for himself, even though he’s a salaried employee and not entitled to overtime pay.
Lacey, who is also facing a federal bankruptcy fraud charge, had been terminated during a meeting last week, but despite the termination notice, he continued to report to work.
Often seen calling for order during Dolton’s fiery board meetings, and even ordering members of the public to leave, Lacey is a close ally of Mayor Tiffany Henyard and insists only the mayor has the power to terminate his employment.
On Thursday, Lacey pleaded not guilty to federal charges of bankruptcy fraud and perjury and was ordered to hand over his guns.
Lacey’s attorney believes prosecutors are using the charges to get him to turn on Henyard during their ongoing investigation into her spending.
“One way that the government always does is to go and investigate people around [Henyard], and that’s what they’re doing here,” Lacey’s attorney, Gal Pissetzky said.
Henyard’s top aide, Village administrator Keith Freeman, was also indicted on a bankruptcy fraud charge earlier this year.
Trustees said Freeman is doing his job as village administrator.
“The difference is that Mr. Lacey is not guilty, I guess Mr. Freeman has admitted his guilt,” Pissetzky said.
Pissetzky added that he believes that Freeman has admitted his guilt because he thinks that Freeman is cooperating with investigators.
Prior to a mandatory meeting for police called by Henyard on Thursday, Freeman, whose employment status remains unclear, sent an email telling officers that Lacey was no longer employed by the village adding that he was “not allowed in any spaces reserved for employees with an escort.”
When WGN Investigates attempted to speak with Henyard and Lacey before Thursday’s meeting, the two circled the police station to avoid questions.
Video captured during the meeting revealed Lacey’s answer.
“Do what you want, but anything after this is insubordination,” Lacey said.
Pissetzky called the latest lawsuit baseless and frivolous.
It all comes just over a week after a highly-anticipated presentation on Dolton finances by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot where it was revealed that Lacey had received more than $200,000 in overtime pay over the last four fiscal years.