Orland Park Resident Charged with Threatening Elected Officials

Michael Henry accused of harassing and intimidating local politicians, including Tinley Park mayor

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A 67-year-old Orland Park resident named Michael Henry has been charged with threatening and intimidating several elected officials, including the mayors of Tinley Park and Orland Park, as well as a Cook County Commissioner. Prosecutors say Henry sent threatening emails, made harassing robocalls, and implied he had connections to gangs that could carry out violence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of public officials facing threats, harassment, and intimidation tactics from some constituents. It raises concerns about the safety of elected leaders and the need to address toxic political rhetoric that crosses the line into criminal behavior.

The details

According to prosecutors, Henry was arrested on March 24 after admitting to sending an email on March 17 threatening Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz. The email allegedly stated that if Glotz did not comply with Henry's demands, Henry would portray Glotz as a 'lover of pedophilia.' Henry also allegedly threatened to send 'friends' he knows from his time in federal custody to Glotz's house unless Glotz issued him a public apology or provided documents he wanted. Prosecutors say Henry also claimed to be in contact with Chicago-area gangs and implied at least six people owed him favors for helping to overturn their life sentences, suggesting they were capable of murder.

  • On March 24, 2026, Michael Henry was arrested.
  • On March 17, 2026, Henry allegedly sent the threatening email to Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz.

The players

Michael Henry

A 67-year-old Orland Park resident who has been charged with threatening and intimidating several elected officials, including the mayors of Tinley Park and Orland Park, as well as a Cook County Commissioner.

Michael Glotz

The mayor of Tinley Park, Illinois, who allegedly received a threatening email from Henry.

Sean Morrison

A Cook County Commissioner who says Henry has exhibited a pattern of harassing and intimidating elected officials for the past eight years.

Keith Pekau

The former mayor of Orland Park, Illinois, who was allegedly targeted by Henry's harassing robocalls and emails.

Cindy Nelson-Katsenes

An Orland Park Trustee who was allegedly targeted by Henry's threats.

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What they’re saying

“That type of behavior is especially deplorable and should never be part of political discourse, regardless of party or ideology.”

— Sean Morrison, Cook County Commissioner

“That allegation was entirely political and made up.”

— Jim Dodge

What’s next

Henry's next court hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on April 30 at the Cook County courthouse in Bridgeview, Illinois.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of public officials facing threats, harassment, and intimidation tactics from some constituents, raising concerns about the safety of elected leaders and the need to address toxic political rhetoric that crosses the line into criminal behavior.