# Former CPS employees plead guilty to federal fraud charges

> Two former Chicago Public Schools staff admitted to kickback scheme stealing thousands from school districts.
- Title: Former CPS employees plead guilty to federal fraud charges
- Summary: Two former Chicago Public Schools staff admitted to kickback scheme stealing thousands from school districts. Antonio Ross and Alfonzo Lewis pleaded guilty…
- Keywords: antonyo ross, alfonzo lewis, chicago public schools, district 65, devon horton, federal fraud charges, kickback scheme, professional service contracts, news, local, Former, CPS
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2026/10/13/former-cps-employees-plea-guilty-to-federal-fraud-charges-in-district-contract-kickback-scheme
- Published: 2026-10-14T01:36:59.953+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: antonyo ross, alfonzo lewis, chicago public schools, district 65, devon horton, federal fraud charges, kickback scheme, professional service contracts, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Antonio Ross and Alfonzo Lewis pleaded guilty to federal fraud for submitting false documents to win contracts and diverting kickbacks to former superintendent Devon Horton.