Ex-Chief Of Schools in Pr. George's Is Indicted

Hornsby Accused Of Kickback Scam

A federal grand jury indicted former Prince George's County schools chief Andre J. Hornsby yesterday on charges of steering school business to associates in exchange for kickbacks that were intended to exceed $100,000 and possibly include expensive art, a yacht or other indulgences.

The indictment, announced on the county's second day of school, is the result of an investigation that helped drive Hornsby from office one year ago. It centers on two alleged schemes, both of which had been disclosed in broad strokes after questions arose in 2004 about Hornsby's stewardship of the third-largest school district in the region.

The indictment accuses Hornsby of arranging a $1 million purchase from the software company LeapFrog SchoolHouse, where his girlfriend worked as a saleswoman, and then splitting a $20,000 commission with her. The woman, Sienna Owens, also charged yesterday, has agreed to cooperate with authorities, according to two sources familiar with the investigation. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because her cooperation has not been publicly disclosed.

In the second alleged scheme, Hornsby is accused of insisting that an associate's company be given a consulting contract to help secure funds under a federal program known as E-Rate. To conceal kickbacks that would have exceeded $100,000, the indictment says, Hornsby suggested that the associate buy him the art, the yacht or other valuable items.

At a news conference in Greenbelt, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said Hornsby lied to investigators and directed others to destroy evidence.

"It is offensive when anyone abuses the public trust," Rosenstein said. "It is particularly egregious when highly paid government officials abuse their power to line their own pockets."

Hornsby, who has long maintained his innocence, did not respond to a telephone call and an e-mail request for comment. His attorney, Robert C. Bonsib, said in a statement that Hornsby intends to contest the charges and "is confident that he will be acquitted."

The school system issued a three-paragraph statement saying that the Board of Education has "fully cooperated" with the investigation and will continue to do so.

"Because this involves a matter now pending in federal court, any further comment by the board would be inappropriate," the statement continued.

The school board, which largely stood by the schools chief during his turbulent tenure, has treated the Hornsby matter with caution since his abrupt departure. The resignation Hornsby negotiated with the board in May 2005 included a $125,000 severance payment and a non-disparagement clause prohibiting board members and Hornsby from making derogatory public remarks about each other.

Several board members said yesterday that they hoped the Hornsby indictment would not overshadow the county's educational progress.

"It's unfortunate," said Vice Chairman Howard W. Stone Jr. (Mitchellville). "We are really trying to concentrate on great things happening in the school system. The school board has moved on. We cannot stay mired in the Hornsby situation."