Evanston, IL, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Devon Horton, the ex-Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, faces 17 federal charges including wire fraud and embezzlement. The indictment alleges a kickback scheme that defrauded the district and Chicago Public Schools. Horton is accused of receiving over $80,000 in kickbacks and misusing a district purchasing card for personal expenses. Following the indictment, District 65 is implementing new safeguards to prevent future misconduct, while community concerns about possible school closures rise. The situation underscores significant governance and financial challenges within the district.
Evanston, IL – Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, has been indicted on 17 counts of federal charges, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. Federal prosecutors allege that Horton was involved in a kickback scheme that defrauded both District 65 and Chicago Public Schools while he served as superintendent from June 2020 until June 2023.
During this period, Horton is accused of receiving over $80,000 in illicit kickbacks. The indictment outlines that Horton, along with three associates—Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross—focused on falsifying contracts related to services such as leadership coaching and facilities security, which were funded by the district. The total amount believed to have been defrauded from District 65 is approximately $293,500.
Additonally, Horton faces charges for misusing a district-issued purchasing card to charge over $30,000 in personal expenses. The penalties for these charges are severe, with wire fraud alone potentially leading to up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines for tax evasion.
The investigation into Horton by the U.S. Department of Education has been ongoing for more than two years, culminating in the current indictment. The Board President of District 65, Sergio Hernandez, and Vice President Nichole Pinkard have expressed profound concern and disappointment regarding the allegations, highlighting the significant breach of trust within the education system.
In response to this situation, the district has taken proactive measures to implement new safeguards designed to prevent any future mismanagement of contracts and purchasing cards since Horton’s departure. Recently, community members convened to discuss anxieties related to the possible closure of schools amid these revelations. Concerns have been raised, particularly by Washington Elementary School’s PTA President, regarding how the indictment might affect decisions surrounding school closures.
The PTA President has urged the district for more transparency and data before proceeding with any closures, suggesting that no more than two schools should close simultaneously to minimize disruption. A series of public input sessions, along with a school board meeting, have been scheduled, with a vote concerning potential school closures expected on November 17.
This incident comes at a time when District 65 is grappling with significant financial challenges, needing to cut up to $15 million in expenses. After leaving Evanston/Skokie District 65, Horton was hired as superintendent in DeKalb County, Georgia, but has since been placed on paid administrative leave following the charges against him.
As the district navigates these turbulent waters, the impact of the indictment is likely to resonate throughout the community, indicating not just a legal battle ahead for Horton and his associates, but also long-term repercussions for the district’s governance and financial stability.
FAQ
Who was indicted in the District 65 scandal?
Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, was indicted along with three associates—Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross—on multiple federal charges.
What charges does Horton face?
Horton faces 17 counts including embezzlement, wire fraud, and tax fraud, involving a total estimated fraud of approximately $293,500.
What was the nature of the fraud scheme?
The scheme involved fraudulent contracts related to services such as leadership coaching and facilities security, which were paid for by the district and involved kickbacks received by Horton.
What are the potential penalties for Horton?
Horton faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, along with significant fines related to tax evasion.
Are there any changes being made in the district following these allegations?
Yes, District 65 has implemented new safeguards to manage contracts and purchasing cards more effectively following Horton’s departure.
What are the implications of these allegations for school closures?
The allegations have raised concerns among community members about the closure of schools, with discussions ongoing regarding transparency and the need for data before any decisions are made.
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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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