Former CPS employees plead guilty

Antonio Ross and Alfonzo Lewis created companies to apply as vendors for professional service contracts with District 65.

“false and fraudulent”

Submitted false documents to win contracts

They submitted false and fraudulent documents to win contracts and then hid thousands in kickbacks to then-superintendent Devon Horton.

Ross obtained $120,000 from District 65

Ross, then Hyde Park Academy High School principal, obtained nearly $120,000 from District 65 and paid Horton nearly $42,000.

Lewis received $24,000 from district

Lewis, who was athletic director at Hyde Park Academy, received $24,000 from District 65 and gave about a quarter to Horton.

Both companies didn't perform services

Both admitted their companies didn't perform some services they were paid for.

Lewis suspended pending investigation

Lewis had been suspended pending federal investigation outcome.

Ross dismissed for fraud

Ross was dismissed by CPS in 2023 for public benefits fraud through fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Horton placed on leave

Horton was placed on administrative leave last fall after being superintendent of DeKalb County School District in Georgia.

Horton pleaded guilty to multiple charges

Horton pleaded guilty to wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax charges earlier this month.

Horton arrested for assault

Horton was arrested in January for felony aggravated assault, strangulation, and misdemeanor cruelty to children.