DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A metro Atlanta area school superintendent has been placed on administrative leave with pay after being federally indicted in Illinois.

DeKalb County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Devon Horton faces a federal indictment in Illinois for “acts he allegedly committed while serving as Superintendent of District 65,″ officials said in a statement.

DeKalb County School Board members held an emergency meeting after the indictment was announced.

Dr. Horton faces tax fraud, wire fraud and embezzlement charges, officials said.

DeKalb County Board of Education hired Horton for the superintendent position in April of 2023.

Dr. Horton’s attorney released a statement following the indictment and charges filed:

“Dr. Horton has served the DeKalb County School District honorably and with the highest integrity over the past few years as Superintendent.  Under his leadership in DeKalb County, graduation rates have gone up, student attendance has risen, student performance has improved, and hundreds of teacher vacancies have been filled with high-quality educators. The allegations in Chicago relate to conduct that is several years old and have nothing whatsoever to do with his very successful work on behalf of the students, families, and teachers in DeKalb County.  Dr. Horton is eager to address his case in court so he can return his focus to bettering the lives and education of children, which has been his passion throughout his professional career.

—  Terence Campbell of the Chicago law firm Cotsirilos, Poulos & Campbell, attorney representing Dr. Devon Horton

Illinois officials released the following statement:

Dear District 65 Community - 

On Thursday, October 9, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois formally filed criminal charges against Dr. Devon Horton for acts he allegedly committed while serving as Superintendent of District 65. 

The District has been aware of the ongoing investigation and has fully supported the process. At the request of federal authorities, we have maintained confidentiality to protect the integrity of the investigation.

We are deeply troubled and angered by these allegations. Now that the federal government has formally indicted, the District is reviewing the specific details of the indictment with the District’s legal counsel. A more detailed statement will be forthcoming after we have had an opportunity to review the details of the indictment.

—  Sergio Hernandez (he/him) and Dr. Nichole Pinkard (she/her) Board Leadership

DeKalb County School District is aware of the federal indictment and has no further comment at this time.