News Summary

Devon Horton, the former superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, faces 17 counts including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment claims he defrauded the district and Chicago Public Schools while receiving over $80,000 in kickbacks. Three associates are also charged for facilitating fraudulent contracts. The situation has raised concerns about transparency and proposed school closures as the district grapples with significant financial challenges. Horton is currently on paid leave after his indictment.

Evanston

Former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, Devon Horton, has been indicted on 17 counts including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment alleges that Horton engaged in a kickback scheme, defrauding both District 65 and Chicago Public Schools. The legal accusations suggest that Horton received over $80,000 in kickbacks during his tenure as superintendent from June 2020 to June 2023, with the total fraudulent amount approximately $293,500.

Alongside Horton, three of his associates—Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross—are also charged in connection with the scheme. They are alleged to have facilitated fraudulent contracts for services, including leadership coaching and security for facilities. Additionally, Horton is accused of misusing a purchasing card issued by the district for personal expenses totaling more than $30,000.

If convicted, Horton could face up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charges and could incur substantial fines for tax evasion. The U.S. Department of Education has been investigating Horton for more than two years prior to his indictment.

School Board Reactions and Community Concerns

The District 65 Board President, Sergio Hernandez, and Vice President Nichole Pinkard have expressed their alarm and disappointment regarding the serious nature of the allegations. This situation has led to a growing concern within the community, particularly regarding the proposed closures of schools amidst the scandal.

The PTA President of Washington Elementary School, Christie Norrick, noted that the indictment has raised suspicions among parents regarding the school closure process. There is a consensus among some parents that the district needs to provide more detailed data and transparency before proceeding with any school closures, with a call to limit the closures to no more than two schools at one time.

Upcoming Meetings and Financial Challenges

The district has planned public input sessions and a school board meeting ahead of a scheduled vote on potential school closures, expected to take place on November 17. Concurrently, District 65 is grappling with significant financial issues, necessitating cuts of up to $15 million in expenses.

Horton’s Career and Current Status

Following his departure from Evanston/Skokie District 65 in June 2023, Horton was hired as superintendent in DeKalb County, Georgia. However, he has now been placed on paid administrative leave in light of the ongoing legal matters. The indictment reveals a profound breach of trust, according to current leaders of the school board, and highlights critical issues regarding oversight and accountability within the district.

In response to these events, District 65 has begun implementing new safeguards to avoid future mismanagement of contracts and purchasing arrangements. This development comes as a part of the district’s efforts to regain trust among community members and ensure the integrity of its operations.

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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER

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