Federal prosecutors in Illinois have charged DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton in a large-scale corruption case involving his previous role as the head of Evanston/Skokie School District 65. The charges include wire fraud, tax evasion, and theft, among others.
Allegations Against Dr. Devon Horton
A federal grand jury returned a 17-count indictment in April 2024 against Dr. Horton and three associates—Antonio Ross, Samuel Ross, and Alfonzo Lewis. The indictment, filed on October 8, 2025, in the Northern District of Illinois, includes a range of charges, including wire fraud, honest-services fraud, federal program theft, and tax evasion.
Prosecutors allege that, during his tenure as superintendent at District 65, Horton steered professional service contracts to companies linked to his associates. Additionally, Horton allegedly approved invoices for work that was not performed and received kickbacks, either directly or through a family member identified as his sibling.
Specific Allegations and Financial Details
The indictment outlines several financial transactions that are central to the case. According to the filing, District 65 paid substantial sums to three companies associated with Horton’s co-conspirators:
- Connecting the Dots Leadership Initiative LLC – $139,500
- Asset Protection Specialist LLC – $119,500
- New Flight 35 Sports & Academic Academy LLC – $24,500
Prosecutors claim Horton received kickbacks from these companies, totaling about:
- $41,900 from Connecting the Dots
- $30,800 from Asset Protection
- $9,000 from New Flight 35
Further allegations include the use of a district procurement card for personal expenses in 2022 and 2023, as well as Horton underreporting income on his federal taxes.
Horton’s Own Company Involved
The indictment also alleges that Horton’s personal company, Altering the Education Xpectation LLC, received approximately $10,000 through Chicago Public Schools based on false representations made by Horton. This further highlights the scope of the alleged fraud and the depth of the corruption case.
The Impact of the Charges
Dr. Horton’s charges have drawn significant attention, as he was responsible for managing the educational resources of a large public school district. The alleged misuse of funds and dishonest conduct calls into question his management practices during his tenure.
The charges against Dr. Horton, along with those levied against his associates, have sent shockwaves through the local education community. Many are now closely watching the legal proceedings to see how this case unfolds.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Dr. Horton, along with his associates, faces significant legal repercussions if convicted on the multiple charges. Federal prosecutors are continuing to build their case, and the legal process is expected to unfold over the coming months.
As the case progresses, the public and the education community will continue to seek clarity on the full scope of the alleged misconduct and how it may affect the reputation of the involved school districts.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as the case continues to develop. The legal proceedings will likely have far-reaching consequences, both for Dr. Horton and the organizations involved.
