Decatur, Georgia, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Devon Horton, the superintendent of DeKalb County School District, has resigned after being indicted on multiple federal charges including wire fraud and embezzlement. The school board accepted his resignation following allegations that he orchestrated a kickback scheme, resulting in over $280,000 in theft from the Evanston-Skokie school district during his prior tenure. Horton is accused of accepting substantial kickbacks and misusing district funds for personal expenses. His arraignment has been delayed, and Norman Sauce III has been appointed as the acting superintendent.
Decatur, Georgia – Devon Horton, the superintendent of Georgia’s third-largest school district, DeKalb County, has resigned following an indictment on federal charges. The DeKalb County Board of Education accepted Horton’s resignation, which is effective November 15, with a vote of 6-1. Board member Tiffany Hogan was the lone dissenting vote.
Horton faces serious allegations from a federal grand jury in Chicago, which indicted him on 17 counts including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion. The indictment accuses Horton of orchestrating a kickback scheme that led to the theft of more than $280,000 from the Evanston-Skokie school district, where he previously served as superintendent.
Under Horton’s leadership, the Evanston-Skokie school district, which served 5,800 students in grades K-8 last year, is reported to have lost considerable funds due to fraudulent contracts. The indictment states that Horton received over $80,000 in kickbacks between 2020 and 2023, allegedly in collusion with three associates: Antonio Ross, Samuel Ross, and Alfonzo Lewis.
All four individuals are accused of establishing companies that billed for services that were never delivered, defrauding both the Evanston-Skokie and Chicago school districts. Companies associated with the fraud include Connecting the Dots Leadership Initiative, LLC, Asset Protection Specialist, LLC, and New Flight 35 Sports and Academic Academy, LLC, as well as Horton’s own company, Altering the Education Xpectation, LLC.
The indictment indicates that Horton approved false invoices and misused over $30,000 on his district purchasing card for personal expenses. In response to these allegations, the DeKalb County school board has announced plans to hire an auditor to review the spending that occurred under Horton’s tenure.
Before his resignation, Horton was earning an annual salary of $360,000. His arraignment has been postponed until October 23. Following Horton’s resignation, Norman Sauce III has been named the acting superintendent of the DeKalb County school district.
In defense of Horton, his lawyer stated that the allegations are associated with conduct from his past, which does not pertain to his performance in DeKalb County. Reports indicate that student performance and school attendance have improved during his time in the district.
Federal prosecutors are pursuing the forfeiture of the alleged ill-gotten gains from Horton and the other three indicted individuals. If convicted, Horton may face over 10 years in prison due to the seriousness of the theft and his position as a public official.
Background Information
Devon Horton’s tenure as superintendent in DeKalb County was marked by attempts to improve student performance and school attendance. Before DeKalb County, he was involved with the Evanston-Skokie school district, which has recently faced scrutiny due to the indictment. The allegations reflect a broader concern regarding oversight and accountability within public school administrations and highlight the need for rigorous monitoring of district expenditures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Devon Horton been indicted on?
Devon Horton was indicted on 17 counts including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion.
What is the amount of money Horton allegedly misappropriated?
Horton allegedly stole over $280,000 from the Evanston-Skokie school district.
Who are Horton’s associates indicted along with him?
Horton’s associates indicted alongside him are Antonio Ross, Samuel Ross, and Alfonzo Lewis.
What is the status of Horton’s arraignment?
Horton’s arraignment has been postponed until October 23.
What is the salary that Devon Horton earned as superintendent?
Horton was earning an annual salary of $360,000.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Indictment Charges | Wire fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion |
| Alleged Loss to District | Over $280,000 |
| Kickbacks Received | More than $80,000 |
| Partners in Crime | Antonio Ross, Samuel Ross, Alfonzo Lewis |
| Effective Resignation Date | November 15 |
| Salary Prior to Resignation | $360,000 annually |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Georgia Passes Distraction Free Education Act
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Georgia Enacts Distraction Free Education Act for Schools
Funding Uncertainty Plagues Georgia Schools
Federal Education Grants Announced for Georgia Schools
Atlanta Public Schools Plans Salary Increases for Staff
Atlanta Board Extends Superintendent’s Contract
Forsyth County Implements Electronic Device Ban in Schools
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Devon Horton
- 11Alive
- Google Search: Devon Horton
- AP News
- Google Scholar: Devon Horton
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Devon Horton
- WSB TV
- Google News: Devon Horton
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