Former Superintendent Faces Indictments in Georgia and Illinois

Former Evanston-Skokie District 65 Superintendent Devon Horton faces serious criminal charges in two states. On August 4, DeKalb County, Georgia, indicted Horton for aggravated assault and cruelty to children. This follows a domestic altercation involving his wife that escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical confrontation. These charges are separate from his federal indictment in Illinois in October 2025 over alleged financial misconduct during his role as superintendent in District 65.

Horton led District 65 for four years before resigning in 2023. He then moved to the DeKalb County School District but resigned again after the federal indictment surfaced. Georgia’s indictment accuses Horton of one felony count of aggravated assault due to an attempted strangulation and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to children. This incident reportedly occurred in the presence of his two children, leading to the additional charges.

DeKalb County police responded to Horton’s home on January 16 following the domestic dispute. Horton’s attorney, Alasia Dalton, has not commented on the case. Horton posted a $27,000 bond and faces arraignment on September 2. Meanwhile, he must address the looming federal trial in Illinois.

Horton appears in court on October 23, 2025, facing 17 counts of wire fraud, tax evasion, and embezzlement, carrying a potential maximum sentence of 290 years. The federal case alleges Horton directed work contracts at District 65 to companies owned by his associates Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross, resulting in substantial kickbacks for Horton.

The accused submitted fraudulent work invoices and contracts, resulting in payments for minimal work and kickbacks amounting to $81,000 and more. Horton has pleaded not guilty. District 65 officials expressed their concern but refrained from further commentary to avoid influencing federal investigations.

Before District 65, Horton served as the chief of schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky, and began his career in the Chicago Public Schools. His progression included roles as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in East St. Louis Public School District 189.