News Summary
Devon Horton, the former superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, faces federal charges including wire fraud and embezzlement. The indictment alleges Horton participated in a kickback scheme, defrauding the school district of approximately $293,500. Additionally, he misused district funds for personal expenses. Alongside Horton, several associates are also charged. District officials express deep concern over the breach of trust, while the community demands transparency as budget cuts loom and school closures are debated. Horton has been placed on paid leave following the indictment.
Chicago, Illinois — Former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65 Indicted on Federal Charges
The former superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, Devon Horton, has been officially charged with multiple federal crimes, including 17 counts of wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment alleges Horton engaged in a scheme to defraud the district and Chicago Public Schools through a series of illegal financial activities that have raised concerns about trust and integrity within the school district.
Details of the Charges and Scheme
The indictment accuses Horton of participating in a kickback scheme that involved awarding fraudulent contracts to certain associates. During his tenure as superintendent from June 2020 until June 2023, Horton is alleged to have received over $80,000 in kickbacks. These payments were linked to contracts for services such as leadership coaching and security services at various district facilities. The total amount allegedly defrauded from the district through this scheme is approximately $293,500.
In addition to the kickback scheme, Horton is charged with misusing a district-issued purchasing card, charging personal expenses exceeding $30,000. This misuse of funds is part of the broader set of allegations that outline a breach of fiduciary responsibilities leading to significant financial loss for the district.
Associates and Related Allegations
Three individuals connected to Horton—Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross—are also facing charges linked to the scheme. These associates are alleged to have been involved in facilitating the fraudulent contracts and kickback payments, further complicating the legal case against Horton.
Potential Penalties and Investigations
If convicted, Horton could face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, along with substantial fines related to tax evasion. The indictment follows an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education that had been ongoing for over two years prior to the formal charges being filed.
District and Community Response
Since the allegations surfaced, officials from District 65, including Board President Sergio Hernandez and Vice President Nichole Pinkard, expressed their concern and disappointment, emphasizing the severity of the breach of trust. The district has since implemented new safeguards to prevent future mismanagement of contracts and district purchasing processes.
Meanwhile, members of the community have voiced worries about ongoing issues within the district, especially concerning plans to close some schools. A recent community meeting highlighted these concerns, with parents and PTA leaders urging the district to provide more transparency and data before proceeding with school closures. One PTA leader stressed the importance of only closing no more than two schools at once and called for a thorough review process.
Outstanding Questions and Future Plans
A scheduled school board meeting is set to take place soon, with a vote on whether to proceed with potential school closures expected on November 17. These proceedings are occurring during a period of significant financial stress for District 65, which is facing a need to cut as much as $15 million in expenses.
Horton’s Career Move and Current Status
After leaving District 65 in June 2023, Horton was hired by DeKalb County, Georgia, as a superintendent. However, following the indictment, he has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the legal process.
Implications and Broader Context
The charges against Horton underscore a serious breach of public trust and highlight the necessity of strict oversight within educational institutions. The case is also viewed as a wake-up call for the district, prompting enhanced financial oversight and procedural reforms to protect public funds and ensure accountability moving forward.
As legal proceedings continue, the district remains focused on addressing both the financial mismanagement issues and community concerns about transparency and school operations. Public sessions and upcoming meetings will likely shape future decisions regarding fiscal strategies and school district policies.
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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
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, 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 state 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
