Former District 65 Superintendent Indicted on Multiple Charges

Evanston, Illinois, October 11, 2025

News Summary

Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, faces 17 federal charges including wire fraud and embezzlement. The indictment claims Horton engaged in a kickback scheme that defrauded both District 65 and Chicago Public Schools, amounting to approximately $293,500. Alongside his associates, Horton misused school funds, sparking concerns over financial stability in the district, with potential school closures looming amidst ongoing discussions among community members.

Evanston, Illinois – Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, has been indicted on 17 federal charges, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment, which was announced this week, alleges that Horton engaged in a kickback scheme that defrauded both District 65 and the Chicago Public Schools during his tenure from June 2020 until June 2023. He is accused of receiving over $80,000 in kickbacks associated with fraudulent contracts aimed at leadership coaching and facilities security. The total amount allegedly defrauded from the district is approximately $293,500.

In addition to Horton, three of his associates have been charged in connection with the scheme: Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross. The indictment also points to Horton misusing a district-issued purchasing card to charge personal expenses totaling over $30,000. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including potential prison time of up to 20 years for the wire fraud allegations and substantial fines for tax evasion.

The U.S. Department of Education conducted a thorough investigation into Horton’s actions over a two-year period leading up to this indictment. The gravity of the situation has led current District 65 Board members, including President Sergio Hernandez and Vice President Nichole Pinkard, to express their deep concern and anger regarding the breach of trust in the district.

In response to the indictment, District 65 has introduced new safeguards to prevent any future malpractices concerning contracts and purchasing card usage. However, community members are facing uncertainty, particularly regarding a potential school closure linked to the existing financial challenges that the district is confronting, estimated at up to $15 million in necessary cuts. Recent discussions among parents at a school board meeting revealed considerable anxiety related to funding and operational decisions affecting their schools.

Washington Elementary School’s PTA President Christie Norrick has raised concerns that the indictment has heightened suspicions among parents about the school closure process. Norrick advocates for more comprehensive data before any closures are enacted, suggesting that no more than two schools should close at once to ensure community needs are met. Upcoming public input sessions and a school board meeting are scheduled, where a vote on potential school closures is expected on November 17.

Horton, who has recently accepted a position as superintendent in DeKalb County, Georgia, effective after his departure from District 65 in June 2023, is now on paid administrative leave from that role as a result of these allegations. The developments have caused significant distress within the community, particularly regarding the future of the district’s schools and governance.

Background Context

The indictment serves to highlight a significant breach of trust at a time when District 65 is already grappling with financial instability. The community’s sentiments around school closures are compounded by the alleged mismanagement within the district. The school board aims to address both the implications of Horton’s actions and the ongoing necessity of financial planning and operational efficiency in their upcoming discussions.

FAQ

Key Features Summary

• Indictment of former Superintendent Devon Horton for federal charges.
• Alleged defrauding of District 65 totaling approximately $293,500.
• New measures by District 65 for accountability.
• Financial challenges prompting discussions of potential school closures.
• Community concerns regarding the implications of the indictment.
• Upcoming school board meeting and voting date on closures.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Indicted Over Fraud Allegations
Southwestern Pennsylvania Schools Lead Statewide Rankings
Philadelphia School District Loses $700,000 in Cyber Fraud
Oklahoma’s New Social Studies Curriculum Reshapes Education

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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