Former DeKalb County schools superintendent arrested amid assault, child cruelty case

A former DeKalb County Schools superintendent facing federal charges was arrested Saturday in a domestic violence case in DeKalb County.

According to the DeKalb County Police Department, officers responded to a domestic call in the 1800 block of Chedworth Lane. Investigators said a verbal argument between Devon Horton and his wife became physical.

Police said Horton was charged with aggravated assault and cruelty to children in the third degree. Children were present during the alleged incident, according to the report.

The arrest comes months after Horton resigned as superintendent following a federal indictment in Illinois.

In October 2025, a federal grand jury charged Horton with 17 counts, including wire fraud, embezzlement and tax evasion. Prosecutors allege he directed more than $280,000 in contracts to three longtime friends while serving as superintendent of the Evanston-Skokie School District from 2020 to 2023 and received more than $80,000 in kickbacks.

Horton pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. Prosecutors also allege Horton used district funds for personal expenses and failed to report the income on his tax returns. If convicted, he could face more than 10 years in prison.

Horton was suspended without pay by the DeKalb County School Board the day the indictment was announced. He resigned effective Nov. 15, 2025, and the board appointed Dr. Norman C. Sauce III as acting superintendent.

The domestic violence charges are separate from the federal case. Horton is expected to appear in court Monday. Authorities have released no additional details.