In his first appearance in federal court, a top aide to Dolton’s mayor pleaded not guilty Wednesday to an alleged scheme to commit bankruptcy fraud.
Dolton Village Trustee and Thornton Township Manager Keith Freeman is accused of underreporting income from his employment and private consulting business in his personal bankruptcy filing.
“We are prepared to defend with everything we have against whatever happens to Mr. Freeman,” said Josh Herman, Freeman’s defense attorney.
Herman said Freeman had no plans to resign from office. He also maintains that this case has nothing to do with other federal investigations.
“We’ve had some questions about whether or not this indictment means that the government is trying to force Mr. Freeman to cooperate. I think that’s a better question to ask the government,” said Herman.
Freeman was charged last week. A few days later, the FBI served two subpoenas at the Dolton village hall.
Renato Mariotti is a former federal prosecutor. We contacted him to find out what he thought about recent developments in the village.
“There appears to be an active federal investigation, and it certainly appears that the feds are on to something. They’re not just fishing,” Mariotti said.
Dolton’s government is marred by accusations of improper spending, lawsuits and investigations. This week, Mayor Tiffany Henyard and Freeman faced another lawsuit, this one filed in federal court by business owner Tyrone Isom Jr.
“I was really excited when I came across this property … because I was waiting to put my mark on Dolton so I could help young people,” Isom said.
Many questions remained unanswered Friday evening in Dolton after the FBI visited the area surrounding the village hall for an unspecified “court-ordered law enforcement activity.” NBC Chicago’s Natalie Martinez reports.
Isom purchased a vacant building on Sibley Boulevard for $85,000. He said he renovated it, hoping to open a barbershop, then a tattoo parlor. But he claims his applications for business licenses were refused without any explanation as to why.
“Despite having done everything he was asked to do and spending his hard-earned money and savings on this property and licensing and trying to start a second business, we told him no, the mayor wanted the property,” said Gregory Kulis, Isom’s attorney.
Unable to open a business, Isom said he was forced to sell the property. He is seeking damages and attorney’s fees. The village declined to comment on the lawsuit.
As for Village Administrator Keith Freeman, he is due back in court June 5 for a status hearing.
NBC Chicago
