Christopher Harris is a digital producer at CBS News Atlanta.
A former DeKalb County Schools superintendent already facing federal charges was granted bond Monday after a judge heard disturbing allegations in a domestic violence case involving his wife and children.
Dr. Devon Horton appeared before Judge S. Derek Johnson-Gage as prosecutors with the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office outlined what they described as a violent argument inside the family's home. Prosecutors said the dispute escalated when Horton allegedly choked the victim for about 10 seconds, causing her to nearly lose consciousness. They said Horton admitted to grabbing her by the neck and argued he should be considered a significant risk.
The victim, identified in court as Mrs. Horton, appeared by Zoom and addressed the judge directly. She asked that her husband be released on bond, saying she was never afraid for her life and that her children were not in danger. She also told the court she did not make the 911 call that led police to the home.
"He is under a tremendous amount of stress and I believe that it just came to a bubble," she said. "Even in the moment where things were escalating, I was never fearful for my life. My children were never in danger. For our home to properly run, I just want him to be here."
Mrs. Horton told the judge she believes her husband is remorseful and said she has been working to line up counseling for him and for their family. She repeatedly expressed that she does not want him behind bars, saying their children need him around.
Judge Johnson-Gage said allegations involving hands placed around someone's neck weigh heavily when setting bond. She ordered Horton held on a $20,000 bond for the aggravated assault charge and a $5,000 bond for the cruelty to children charge.
As part of the bond conditions, the judge ordered no in-person contact between Horton and his wife. Horton will still be allowed to see his children, but all child exchanges must be handled through a third party.
Horton's arrest stems from a Saturday incident in the 1800 block of Chedworth Lane, where DeKalb County police responded to a domestic call. Investigators said a verbal argument between Horton and his wife turned physical. Police charged Horton with aggravated assault and cruelty to children in the third degree, noting that children were present at the time of the alleged assault.
The case adds to Horton's growing legal troubles. Just months ago, he resigned as DeKalb County Schools superintendent after being indicted on federal charges in Illinois. In October 2025, a federal grand jury in Chicago charged Horton with 17 counts, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion.
Prosecutors allege the 48-year-old issued 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 has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges.
DeKalb County District Attorney's Office says it started as an argument in the home and what ultimately occurred is suspect choked victim for approx 10 seconds, almost lost consciousness, he admits to grabbing her by the neck, DeKalb County District Attorney's Office says he is considered a significant risk
Mrs. Horton" on the zoom , being the victim, to make a statement in front of Judge Johnson-Gage
She is asking for him to be released on bond because she says she was never scared for her life, she was not the one to make the phone call of the incident, I know he's very remorseful and for the sake of her kids they need him around. She thinks he's under a lot of stress.
She has been working on getting a counselor lined up for him, and for their family. She sounds like she really does NOT want him behind bars.
"Even in the moment where things were escalating, I was never fearful for my life. My children were never in danger. He is under a tremendous amount of stress and I believe that it just came to a bubble and I was not the one to make the phone call (to 911,)" she said. "For our home to properly run, I just want him to be here."
judge is saying whenever you're talking about putting your hands around someone's neck it will be in forefront of judge's mind when setting bond... Judge orders $20K bond count 1/ aggravated assault and $5K count 2/cruelty children chargesconditions: As to contact with Mrs. Horton: the judge said he will impose no in person contact with wife.he can still see the children but any exchanges will need to be made by a 3rd party.
backstory: A former DeKalb County Schools superintendent who is already facing serious federal charges is now accused in a domestic violence case in DeKalb County.
According to a Saturday incident report from the DeKalb County Police Department, officers responded to a domestic call in the 1800 block of Chedworth Lane. Investigators said a verbal argument between Dr. Devon Horton and his wife escalated and became physical.
Police said Dr. Horton was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and cruelty to children in the third degree. The report stated that children were present at the time of the alleged assault.
The arrest comes just months after Horton resigned from his position as DeKalb County Schools superintendent amid a federal indictment in Illinois.
In October 2025, a federal grand jury in Chicago charged Horton with 17 counts, including wire fraud, embezzlement and tax evasion. Prosecutors allege the 48-year-old issued more than $280,000 in contracts to three longtime friends while serving as superintendent of the Evanston-Skokie School District from 2020 to 2023, then received more than $80,000 in kickbacks.