DeKalb Schools Superintendent Placed on Leave Amid 7 Federal Charges from Previous Illinois Role

Senator Calls for Horton’s Immediate Removal

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton has been placed on paid administrative leave after being indicted on 17 federal counts tied to his previous tenure leading Evanston/Skokie School District 65 in Illinois. The move comes as the school board works to maintain stability and continuity in the district during this uncertain period.

Dr. Horton joined DeKalb County Schools in 2023.

The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in April 2024 and unsealed this month, accuses Horton and three associates—Antonio Ross, Samuel Ross, and Alfonzo Lewis—of wire fraud, honest-services fraud, federal program theft, and tax evasion.

According to prosecutors, Horton allegedly steered professional service contracts to companies connected to his associates, approved invoices for work not performed, and received kickbacks either directly or through a family member. The indictment also alleges Horton used a district procurement card for personal expenses in 2022 and 2023 and underreported income on his federal taxes.

By the numbers:

• District 65 paid roughly $139,500 to Connecting the Dots Leadership Initiative LLC, $119,500 to Asset Protection Specialist LLC, and $24,500 to New Flight 35 Sports & Academic Academy LLC.
• Alleged kickbacks to Horton totaled approximately $41,900, $30,800, and $9,000 from these respective companies.
• Horton’s own company, Altering the Education Xpectation LLC, allegedly received about $10,000 through Chicago Public Schools following false representations.
• Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of at least $293,500 tied to wire fraud and an additional $30,845.77 related to federal program theft, along with two counts of tax evasion for 2022 and 2023.

While reviewing the situation, the DeKalb County School Board quickly named Dr. Norman C. Sauce III as interim superintendent to ensure the district’s operations and educational programs continue without disruption. Board members emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on students, teachers, and families during this challenging time.

However, the federal indictment has prompted calls for further action. Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur) issued a statement which urged the immediate removal of Horton, calling the allegations of wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion “deeply troubling” and asserting that Horton is “incapable of leading the DeKalb County School District.” Jones criticized the school board’s recent decision to extend Horton’s contract and increase his salary despite knowledge of the ongoing investigation, urging the Governor to intervene if the board fails to act.

Board leaders expressed that they were “deeply troubled and angered” by the allegations, noting the district’s legal team is reviewing the indictment. A statement from the board highlighted the district’s commitment to transparency and continuity: “We are aware of the federal charges against Dr. Horton. Our priority remains the well-being of our students, staff, and community as we move forward with interim leadership.”

The indictment has sparked concern among parents, staff, and community stakeholders. While the allegations are serious, district leaders are emphasizing continuity, student safety, and community reassurance as DeKalb County Schools operate under interim leadership.

Parents and community members are being assured that all schools will continue operating normally and that resources such as counseling and support services are available if needed. The district is also working to provide clear communication to staff, students, and families as developments occur.

Verdalia Turner, President of the Georgia Federation of Teachers, expressed concern over the district’s instability, noting that there have been four superintendents in six years. “I wasn’t indifferent, I wasn’t angry. I wasn’t surprised. I was just like, ‘OK, two more years out of our lives and we told you so,” Turner said.

Horton’s attorney, Terence Campbell, said the allegations are years old and unrelated to Horton’s current work in DeKalb County, where he has overseen higher graduation rates, improved student performance, and the hiring of high-quality educators. Campbell added that Horton is eager to address the charges in court and return his focus to education.

As legal proceedings continue, this incident highlights the challenges school systems can face when leadership is under legal scrutiny. District officials are encouraging the community to remain engaged and focused on the success and well-being of students while the legal process proceeds.