Former D65 Superintendent Pleads Not Guilty To Kickback Scheme Charges: Report

EVANSTON, IL — Devon Horton, former Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Superintendent, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges related to an alleged kickback scheme that took place during his time leading the district.

According to prosecutors, Horton hired others who paid him $81,000 in kickbacks from 2019 to 2023. Horton faces a maximum of 290 years for 13 counts of wire fraud, two counts of tax evasion and two counts of embezzlement,according to the Chicago Tribune.

Horton is also accused of spending nearly $30,000 in unauthorized purchases on the school district's credit card for personal use.

"These allegations go against everything we stand for as a community and the values and beliefs we strive to uphold. District 65 is a wonderful public school system with staff, families, and community members who care deeply about the success of all students," D65 officials said in a statement.

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois filed charges for the alleged scheme earlier this month. The indictment also includes three of Horton's "friends," who are believed to have created companies to apply for work contracts with D65, which Horton approved.

Alfonzo Lewis, the athletic director for Hyde Park Academy, pleaded not guilty and Samuel Ross, a Berwyn man, also pleaded not guilty. Antonio Ross, former principal of Hyde Park Academy, is scheduled to be arraigned next week in Chicago.

Read more from the Chicago Tribune: Former Evanston D65 Superintendent Devon Horton pleads not guilty to kickback charges