STONE MOUNTAIN, GA – The leader of DeKalb County Schools has been placed on administrative leave following a federal indictment. Dr. Devonta Horton faces multiple charges related to alleged misconduct in Illinois.
In an urgent closed-door meeting, the DeKalb County School Board decided to place Horton on leave with pay. The indictment accuses Horton of involvement in a kickback scheme tied to contracts awarded during his previous tenure in the Evanston-Skokie District 65, a suburb of Chicago.
Court documents reveal that Horton, along with associates Samuel Ross, Antonio Ralston, and Alphonso Lewis, allegedly falsified information to secure professional service contracts. The indictment claims Horton received financial benefits from these contracts.
The charges against Horton include 17 counts, highlighting a scheme prosecutors describe as a calculated effort to defraud the district of money and property. The allegations also extend to tax evasion, with claims Horton underreported his income and failed to disclose kickback payments.
This development adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding DeKalb County superintendents. The district has faced multiple leadership challenges in recent years, raising concerns among parents and educators.
Horton’s legal troubles have drawn significant attention, prompting calls for transparency and accountability within the school system. Community members and stakeholders are anxiously awaiting further details as the investigation unfolds.
As the case progresses, the DeKalb County School Board and district officials are expected to provide updates and address community concerns. The implications of these charges could have lasting effects on the district’s leadership and operations.
Efforts to reach Horton for comment were unsuccessful, and it remains unclear how long the administrative leave will last. The board has yet to announce who will assume leadership responsibilities in Horton’s absence.