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Written by: A. Smith
Published January 19, 2026 @ 9:58 AM ET
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Former DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Devon Horton was arrested Saturday on felony charges stemming from an alleged domestic assault at his home, adding to a growing list of legal troubles for the once-prominent education leader.
According to DeKalb County Police, officers responded to a domestic call at Horton’s residence and determined that a verbal dispute between Horton and his wife escalated into a physical confrontation. Police said Horton is accused of strangling his wife during the incident while children were present in the home.
Horton was booked into the DeKalb County Jail around 1:30 p.m. Saturday and charged with aggravated assault by strangulation and third-degree cruelty to children. Jail records show he remained in custody as of the latest update.
In a statement provided to FOX 5 Atlanta, Horton’s attorney, Terence Campbell of Cotsirilos, Poulos & Campbell, disputed the characterization of the incident and said Horton’s wife does not want charges pursued.
“Dr. Horton and his wife got into an argument at their home yesterday, and he was arrested as a result,” Campbell said. “This incident had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with their children and no child was involved in the argument in any way, other than the mere fact that they were at home when it occurred. Dr. Horton is a loving and devoted father, and his wife is fully supportive of him.”
The arrest is unrelated to Horton’s former role with DeKalb County Schools, district officials said. In a written statement, the school system confirmed it is aware of the arrest but emphasized that the alleged incident does not involve district operations or students.
“As this is an active legal matter with law enforcement, the district has no further information to share,” a district spokesperson said. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
Horton resigned from his position as superintendent late last year after being indicted in federal court in Illinois on 17 counts related to an alleged kickback and embezzlement scheme tied to his previous leadership of Evanston/Skokie School District 65. Those federal charges remain pending.
Horton’s tenure in DeKalb County was controversial from the outset. He was selected as superintendent in April 2023 following months of debate and public scrutiny. Critics raised concerns about his leadership history, past bankruptcies and ongoing legal issues in Illinois before his hiring. Former DeKalb County School Board member Dr. Joyce Morley previously said the board had been aware of an active criminal investigation prior to approving Horton’s contract.
The domestic violence case remains under investigation. Police have not released additional details about the incident or whether further charges could be filed.