News Summary

Devon Horton, ex-superintendent of Evanston/Skokie School District 65, faces 17 federal charges including wire fraud and embezzlement. The indictment alleges Horton participated in a kickback scheme, misusing district resources and incurring significant personal expenses on a district purchasing card. Three associates are also implicated in the scheme. The district is implementing new safeguards to restore trust and transparency amidst ongoing financial challenges and community concerns over possible school closures. Horton has been placed on administrative leave from his current position in Georgia.

Evanston, Illinois — Former Superintendent of District 65 Indicted on Multiple Federal Charges

Key Details of the Indictment

The former superintendent of Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Devon Horton, has been formally charged with 17 federal criminal counts including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The charges stem from allegations that Horton engaged in a scheme to defraud the district and Chicago Public Schools over a period of nearly three years, from June 2020 to June 2023.

Alleged Kickback Scheme and Financial Misconduct

The indictment accuses Horton of participating in a kickback scheme in which he received over $80,000 in illicit payments. These payments were allegedly connected to fraudulent contracts for services such as leadership coaching and security for district facilities. According to prosecutors, the scheme resulted in the district being defrauded of approximately $293,500.

In addition to misconduct involving contracts, Horton is accused of misusing a district-issued purchasing card. The indictment states that he incurred personal expenses exceeding $30,000 on this card, further violating district policies and federal regulations.

Additional Individuals and Scheme Details

Three associates of Horton—Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross—are also facing criminal charges in connection with the scheme. The indictment suggests that these individuals played roles in facilitating or executing the fraudulent activities associated with the contracts and financial transactions.

Investigations and District Response

The U.S. Department of Education had been investigating Horton for over two years prior to the indictment, hinting at concerns about the management and financial oversight during his tenure. Following the charges, the district’s governing body expressed deep concern and anger over the allegations, emphasizing the damage to trust within the community and the importance of accountability.

Since Horton’s departure in June 2023, the district has implemented increased safeguards designed to prevent future mismanagement, including stricter oversight of contracts and the use of district purchasing cards.

Legal Consequences and Penalties

Horton faces significant legal penalties if convicted. Federal law prescribes potentially up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, along with substantial fines and penalties related to the alleged tax evasion. The ongoing legal process will determine his fate in the federal court system.

Impact on Community and School District Operations

The indictment coincides with ongoing financial challenges faced by the district, which has announced plans to cut expenses by up to $15 million. These financial pressures are complicating district operations and planning, including discussions around school closures.

Recent community meetings have revealed heightened concerns among parents and staff about school closures. An example is the PTA president of Washington Elementary School, who indicated that the allegations have heightened suspicions regarding the transparency of the school closure process. She called for more data and transparency before any school closures are executed, suggesting that closing no more than two schools at a time would be more manageable.

The district has scheduled public input sessions and a school board meeting to discuss potential closures, with a final vote expected on November 17. The community’s involvement is seen as essential to addressing the crisis and ensuring transparent decision-making given recent developments.

Current Status of Horton and District Management

After leaving Evanston/Skokie District 65, Horton was hired as superintendent in DeKalb County, Georgia. However, following the federal indictment, he has been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.

This case marks a significant breach of trust within the district’s leadership, raising concerns about oversight and accountability at the administrative level. The school board leaders reiterated their commitment to restoring integrity and safeguarding the district’s resources amidst the ongoing investigation.

Background Context

District 65 has been navigating several challenges, including financial constraints and community concerns over transparency and governance. The recent allegations against Horton have intensified these issues, prompting calls for more rigorous oversight and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. The district continues to operate amid these crises, balancing the need for fiscal responsibility with community engagement and educational priorities.

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Additional Resources

• Evanston RoundTable
• Chicago Tribune
• Daily Northwestern
• ABC 7 Chicago
• Chicago Sun-Times
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• Google Search: Devon Horton indictment
• Google Scholar: educational institution governance
• Encyclopedia Britannica: embezzlement
• Google News: Evanston District 65 scandal

Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.