Horton, former DeKalb School head, pleads not guilty to wire fraud, tax evasion charges

Devon Horton former DCSD superintendent File photo Devon Q Horton the former superintendent of DeKalb County School District pled not guilty Thursday Oct to felony counts of wire fraud tax evasion and embezzlement in connection to an alleged kickback plan while serving as superintendent of the Evanston Skokie District District Joseph Fitzpatrick spokesman for the Assistant U S Attorney in Illinois informed Rough Draft Atlanta Horton was joined in court by co-defendants Samuel Ross and Alfonzo Lewis who were also charged in connection with the scheme Both also pled not guilty on four counts each of wire fraud honest services fraud according to a assessment by the Evanston RoundTable Antonio Ross the fourth defendant will be arraigned next week Horton s attorney Terence Campbell wrote in a comment obtained by RoundTable that Horton tackled tough issues under laborious circumstances The truth is Campbell wrote his leadership bettered the school system for the children and families of District Dr Horton is eager to address his matter in court and is glad that process has now begun Between and the -page indictment alleges that Horton accepted and approved contracts with business partners that he would financially benefit from totaling more than in kickbacks The DeKalb County Board of Development voted - to accept Horton s resignation in a closed executive session held Oct He will continue on paid leave until Nov according to Carla Parker DeKalb County Schools spokeswoman A forensic audit will determine whether Horton whose annual base salary as of July was misused his school system purchasing card Given the fresh federal indictment involving Dr Horton related to his employment in a prior school district the board believes this action is in the best interest of the DeKalb County School District commented Deidre Pierce school board chair We recognize the seriousness of the situation and remain committed to transparency accountability and maintaining society trust Specific DeKalb County parents narrated Rough Draft Atlanta they have already lost trust in the district based not only on hiring Horton but the array of superintendents who have come and gone over the last years There s a systemic failure in the governance and accountability of that board This change in leadership is going to be necessary to restore trust to the society Smoke Rise Elementary parent Jeannette Fusia informed Rough Draft Atlanta I know that Deirdre Pierce declared that she s maintaining citizens trust Let me be very clear the community does not trust this district A status hearing for Horton is set for Dec Fitzpatrick declared The post Horton former DeKalb School head pleads not guilty to wire fraud tax evasion charges appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta