Georgia School Superintendent Resigns After Federal Bribery Indictment in Illinois

Devon Horton, the superintendent of DeKalb County School District — Georgia’s third-largest school system — has resigned following a federal indictment accusing him of orchestrating a bribery and theft scheme while leading a smaller district in suburban Chicago.

The DeKalb County Board of Education accepted Horton’s resignation during a special meeting on Wednesday, effective November 15. The board had faced mounting public pressure to terminate Horton after the charges became public last week.

As part of the session, the board also voted to hire an independent auditor to review district spending and contracts made under Horton’s leadership.

Horton, who earned an annual salary of $360,000, will remain on paid leave until his resignation takes effect. After November 15, he will no longer receive compensation, according to district spokesperson Carla Parker.

Federal Indictment in Chicago

A federal grand jury in Chicago last week returned a 17-count indictment against Horton, including charges of wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion. Prosecutors allege that between 2020 and 2023, while serving as superintendent of Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Horton steered more than $280,000 in contracts to three associates and personally accepted over $80,000 in kickbacks.

The indictment describes a web of financial misconduct that prosecutors claim involved fraudulent billing, shell companies, and false invoices for services that were never performed.

Evanston/Skokie District 65, located north of Chicago, serves approximately 5,800 students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Horton served as superintendent there until 2023, when he was hired to lead DeKalb County Schools, a district with over 93,000 students.

Alongside Horton, three Illinois men were also charged: Antonio Ross of Chicago, Samuel Ross of Berwyn, and Alfonzo Lewis of Chicago. The four men are accused of forming companies that issued fake invoices to two school districts — Evanston/Skokie and Chicago Public Schools — as part of the kickback scheme.

The Alleged Scheme

According to federal prosecutors, Horton approved inflated or completely fabricated invoices for consulting and construction services through companies controlled by his associates. In return, the indictment alleges, those associates paid Horton a portion of the proceeds as bribes.

The scheme allegedly netted Horton at least $80,000 in illicit payments between 2020 and 2023. Prosecutors also claim that Antonio Ross — then principal of Hyde Park Academy High School in Chicago — helped funnel $10,000 to Horton through a sham contract for a business Horton secretly controlled.

In addition to the bribery charges, Horton faces allegations of embezzling over $30,000 in district funds between 2022 and 2023. He is accused of using a district-issued procurement card for personal purchases, including electronics, travel, and luxury goods.

The indictment further alleges that Horton failed to report the kickbacks and stolen funds as income on his federal tax returns, leading to several counts of tax evasion.

If convicted, Horton could face a prison sentence exceeding 10 years under federal sentencing guidelines, given the large sums of money involved and his position as a public official.

Legal Representation and Next Steps

Horton’s attorney, Terry Campbell, said his client “is eager to have his day in court” and intends to fight the charges vigorously.

Attorneys representing Samuel and Antonio Ross declined to comment. No legal counsel was listed for Alfonzo Lewis in federal court records as of Tuesday.

Horton had been scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court in Chicago on Wednesday, but that hearing has been postponed until October 23.

DeKalb County’s Response

DeKalb County school officials moved swiftly after news of the indictment broke. In a brief public statement, the board said it was “deeply concerned” about the allegations and “committed to maintaining transparency and accountability to the community.”

The board has appointed Norman Sauce, the district’s former Chief of Student Support Services, as interim superintendent while a nationwide search for a permanent replacement begins.

Community reaction in DeKalb County has been mixed. Some parents and teachers expressed shock at the federal charges, while others said they had long questioned Horton’s management style and spending decisions.

“I’m relieved the board finally took action,” said Angela McCoy, a DeKalb parent and PTA member. “Our district deserves leadership we can trust — not someone facing federal bribery charges.”

Others urged patience, emphasizing Horton’s right to due process. “Let’s remember, these are allegations,” said DeKalb resident Thomas Riley. “Everyone deserves their day in court before we pass judgment.”

Connections Between Illinois and Georgia

The indictment also revealed that Horton allegedly attempted to hire Antonio Ross after becoming DeKalb’s superintendent — an offer Ross declined amid questions about their prior business dealings.

Federal investigators believe this effort demonstrated Horton’s continued connection to individuals involved in the Illinois scheme.

The alleged misconduct primarily occurred before Horton’s arrival in Georgia, but DeKalb officials are now reviewing whether any questionable contracts or expenditures may have taken place under his tenure.

The board’s new audit is expected to focus on contracts approved since 2023, when Horton assumed control of the district.

Background on Horton’s Career

Before joining DeKalb County, Horton built a reputation as a reform-minded educator committed to equity and diversity. He began his career as a teacher and principal in Chicago Public Schools and later served as deputy superintendent in East St. Louis, Illinois.

In 2020, he was appointed superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, where he emphasized initiatives promoting inclusion and closing achievement gaps. His leadership earned national attention during the pandemic for policies aimed at supporting underserved communities.

When Horton was hired by DeKalb County in 2023, board members praised his “visionary leadership” and commitment to student success. His appointment was initially seen as a fresh start for a district long plagued by leadership turnover and controversy.

Now, with his resignation and indictment, those ambitions have collapsed into one of the state’s most high-profile education scandals in years.

Community and National Reaction

The case has sparked broader debate about oversight and ethics in school district leadership nationwide.

“School administrators control millions in taxpayer dollars, yet often operate with minimal scrutiny,” said Dr. Paul Benson, an education policy analyst at Georgia State University. “This case underscores why transparency and regular audits are essential.”

The National School Superintendents Association issued a brief statement noting that while the charges against Horton are serious, they “should not overshadow the integrity and hard work of the vast majority of education leaders across the country.”

Meanwhile, Evanston/Skokie District 65 — where the alleged crimes occurred — said it is cooperating fully with federal authorities. The district emphasized that none of the current leadership team members were involved in the activities described in the indictment.

What Comes Next

As the federal case unfolds, Horton faces a steep legal battle and an uncertain future. If convicted on all counts, prosecutors could seek restitution of more than $300,000 and permanent disqualification from public office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has not indicated whether additional individuals or entities could be implicated as the investigation continues.

For DeKalb County, the immediate priority is restoring trust. “Our focus is on stability,” said interim superintendent Norman Sauce. “Students, teachers, and families deserve to know their district remains committed to excellence, no matter what challenges we face.”

As of mid-October, Horton has made no public comment beyond a brief statement through his attorney. The once-celebrated educator now finds himself at the center of a criminal case that could define — and possibly end — his career in public education.