Ex-DeKalb Schools Superintendent Arrested on Assault, Child Cruelty Charges as Federal Case Continues

DeKalb County, GA – The arrest of former DeKalb County School District Superintendent Dr. Devon Quinton Horton on child cruelty and assault charges has renewed scrutiny of the district’s leadership oversight and the series of controversies that marked his brief tenure.

Horton was arrested Saturday afternoon and booked into the DeKalb County Jail on charges of third-degree child cruelty and aggravated assault by strangulation, according to jail records. Authorities have not released details about the alleged incident, which officials say is unrelated to his former role in the school district.

In a brief statement, a DeKalb County School District spokesperson acknowledged the arrest but emphasized that it does not involve district operations.

“The DeKalb County School District is aware of the reported arrest of former superintendent Dr. Devon Horton, which stems from an alleged incident not related to the school district,” the statement read. “As this is an active legal matter with law enforcement, the district has no further information to share.”

While the district sought to distance itself from the latest charges, Horton’s legal troubles extend well beyond this arrest. He resigned from DeKalb County Schools in October following a federal indictment in Illinois, where prosecutors accuse him of participating in a kickback scheme during his time as superintendent of Evanston-Skokie School District 65.

Federal court records show Horton pleaded not guilty to 17 felony counts, including wire fraud, tax evasion, and embezzlement. Prosecutors allege Horton and three co-defendants steered contracts to businesses in which they had undisclosed financial interests, receiving kickbacks from vendors tied to both District 65 and Chicago Public Schools.

Horton served as DeKalb superintendent for roughly two years, a period that is now under separate review as district officials investigate decisions made during his administration. Those internal inquiries remain ongoing.

For parents, educators, and taxpayers, the unfolding situation raises broader concerns about vetting processes, governance safeguards, and accountability mechanisms within large public school systems. As DeKalb County Schools works to stabilize leadership and rebuild confidence, the Horton case underscores the lasting impact that executive decision-making — both professional and personal — can have on public institutions.

As of Saturday afternoon, Horton remained in custody. His federal case in Illinois is pending, and no court dates related to the DeKalb charges have yet been announced.