News Summary
Devon Horton, the former superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, faces 17 federal charges including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment alleges Horton defrauded the school district and Chicago Public Schools, receiving over $80,000 in kickbacks. Additionally, he misused a purchasing card for personal expenses. As a result of these accusations, new safeguards are being implemented in the district to prevent future mismanagement. The school board and community members are grappling with the implications of these serious allegations amid financial challenges.
Evanston, Illinois – The former superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, Devon Horton, has been indicted on 17 federal charges that include wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment details Horton’s involvement in a kickback scheme that is said to have defrauded both District 65 and the Chicago Public Schools, with allegations indicating that he received over $80,000 in kickbacks during his tenure as superintendent from June 2020 to June 2023.
In conjunction with Horton, three associates — Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross — have also been charged in this fraudulent scheme. The indictment outlines that the scheme involved the creation of bogus contracts for services such as leadership coaching and facilities security, which were funded by the school district. The total amount allegedly defrauded from District 65 is approximately $293,500.
Furthermore, Horton is accused of abusing a district-issued purchasing card, for personal expenses exceeding $30,000. If convicted, the charges could lead to severe penalties, including the potential of up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and various fines connected to tax evasion.
Investigations into Horton had been ongoing for over two years by the U.S. Department of Education prior to the indictment. The situation has left members of the District 65 Board, including President Sergio Hernandez and Vice President Nichole Pinkard, feeling deeply troubled and angered by the findings.
In response to the allegations and to enhance security measures, the district has implemented new safeguards aimed at preventing future mismanagement of contracts and district purchasing cards following Horton’s exit. Community members have also begun to voice concerns regarding the impact of these charges, specifically concerning the potential closure of schools amidst financial challenges faced by District 65, which may require cutting up to $15 million in expenses.
During a recent meeting, parents in the community expressed their worries over the implications of Horton’s indictment on school operations and closures. For instance, Washington Elementary School’s PTA President, Christie Norrick, indicated that the indictment has intensified suspicions surrounding the decision-making process for school closures. Norrick calls for the district to provide more data before moving ahead with the closure process and suggests that no more than two schools should be closed at a time.
Public input sessions and a school board meeting have been scheduled, with a vote on potential school closures expected on November 17. This comes at a critical juncture for District 65 as they confront a significant financial crisis that necessitates painful budget cuts.
Devon Horton, who was appointed to a new position as superintendent in DeKalb County, Georgia, after leaving Evanston/Skokie District 65 in June 2023, has already been placed on paid administrative leave following the charges. The indictment represents a significant breach of trust towards the district and its community, emphasizing the severity of the situation as outlined by current school board leaders.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
