ATLANTA (AP) — The superintendent of Georgia’s third-largest school district has resigned after being indicted on federal charges accusing him of running a kickback scheme and stealing public funds from a suburban Chicago school district.
The DeKalb County Board of Education accepted Superintendent Devon Horton’s resignation Wednesday, effective Nov. 15.
Federal Indictment Unveiled
A federal grand jury in Chicago indicted Horton last week on 17 counts, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion.
Prosecutors allege Horton used his leadership position in the Evanston-Skokie School District 65, where he served before moving to Georgia, to award fraudulent contracts worth more than $280,000 and personally pocketed at least $80,000 in kickbacks between 2020 and 2023.
Board Accepts Resignation and Launches Audit
During a special meeting Wednesday, the DeKalb school board voted to both accept Horton’s resignation and hire an independent auditor to review district spending during his tenure.
The district, which serves more than 92,000 students across metropolitan Atlanta, has faced growing public pressure to act after news of the indictment broke last week.
No Payouts Beyond November
District spokesperson Carla Parker confirmed that Horton, who earned $360,000 annually, will be paid only through his resignation date and will receive no severance or additional compensation. His official employment ends Nov. 15.
“The board has taken swift action to ensure leadership continuity and accountability,” Parker said in a statement.
Acting Superintendent Named
The board appointed Norman Sauce, DeKalb’s former Chief of Student Services, as acting superintendent while a national search for Horton’s permanent replacement begins.
Sauce previously held leadership roles in several Georgia and California school systems and is expected to oversee day-to-day operations during the transition period.
Allegations of a Kickback Network
Federal prosecutors allege Horton conspired with three Illinois men—Antonio Ross of Chicago, Samuel Ross of Berwyn, and Alfonzo Lewis of Chicago—to create shell companies that billed for services never rendered.
The indictment claims the group defrauded both the Evanston-Skokie and Chicago public school districts, channeling taxpayer money into personal accounts through fraudulent invoices and contracts.
Kickbacks and Personal Spending
According to prosecutors, Horton personally approved more than $283,000 in contracts during his time in Evanston-Skokie. In return, he allegedly received kickbacks totaling $80,000 from his associates.
The indictment also charges Horton with stealing over $30,000 from the district by using a government purchasing card for personal expenses, including travel and luxury items.
Additional Tax Evasion Charges
Federal authorities further accuse Horton of failing to report the illicit income on his tax returns, resulting in multiple counts of tax evasion.
If convicted, Horton could face more than 10 years in federal prison under sentencing guidelines due to the large sums involved and his position as a public official.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Horton was scheduled to appear for arraignment Wednesday in federal court in Chicago, but the hearing was postponed to Oct. 23. His attorney, Terry Campbell, said Horton “is eager to address his case in court.” Attorneys for co-defendants Samuel and Antonio Ross declined to comment, while no lawyer is listed for Lewis in court records.
Ties to Co-Defendant Spark Concern
The indictment also notes that Horton tried to hire Antonio Ross after becoming superintendent in DeKalb County, though Ross declined amid questions about their prior business ties. The attempted hiring raised eyebrows among DeKalb educators and reinforced concerns about Horton’s judgment and professional relationships.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
The allegations have shaken DeKalb County, a district already navigating budget challenges and leadership turnover. Parents and teachers have called for transparency and tighter financial oversight.
Board Chair Diijon DaCosta said the forthcoming audit will help restore public trust. “Our focus remains on stability for our students and accountability to our taxpayers,” he said.
