Brickbats — Feb–Mar 2026: Indictments, Failures and Controversies From Schools to Telecoms

This roundup collects notable public-interest scandals and failures from February–March 2026, spanning alleged corruption, official misconduct, a tragic medical lapse, and proposed government powers over telecom networks.

Devon Horton Resigns After Federal Indictment

Devon Horton resigned as superintendent of DeKalb County Schools in Georgia after a 17-count federal indictment alleging a kickback scheme tied to a previous superintendent role in Illinois. Prosecutors say that between 2020 and 2023 Horton steered more than $280,000 in contracts to associates and received roughly $80,000 in kickbacks.

London Coffee Fine Draws Backlash

In London, enforcement officers fined Burcu Yesilyurt £150 (about $200) after she poured the remainder of her coffee into a storm drain. Authorities cited the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which bars disposing of waste in a way that could pollute land or water. Yesilyurt said she did not realize the law covered a beverage poured into a drain and called the penalty "not proportionate." Following public criticism, the local council rescinded the fine.

Aurora Firefighters Demoted After Dangerous Driving

Two firefighters in Aurora, Colorado, were demoted after driving a fire engine at high speed, switching on spotlights and swerving into oncoming lanes — actions that forced a police vehicle off the road. The assistant district attorney described the conduct as "childish and foolish," though prosecutors opted not to pursue criminal charges.

Patient Dies After Nine Days Without Nutrition

Adrian Poulton, a man with Down syndrome who was admitted to an NHS hospital with a fractured hip, was recorded as "nil by mouth" while his hip healed. Hospital staff reportedly did not provide an alternative source of nutrition, and Poulton died after nine days without food; his family had been under the impression he was being fed during that period. The case raises serious questions about hospital protocols and oversight.

IMCOM Official Charged Over Alleged Diversion of Funds

Laurent Lant was charged with stealing more than $500,000 in government funds while overseeing the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program for the U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM). Authorities allege Lant made 18 transfers from Army accounts into a company account he created. IMCOM flagged the transfers; Lant booked a same-day flight to Paris and was arrested before departure. The arrest comes roughly a year after another IMCOM employee was sentenced to 15 years for stealing $108 million.

Canada's Proposed Bill C-8 Would Allow Secret Telecom Cutoffs

Canada's draft Bill C-8 would permit the industry minister to order telecom providers to cut phone and internet service to any person or institution when the government claims there are "reasonable grounds" to suspect "interference, manipulation, disruption or degradation" of national networks. The bill would allow the government to bar disclosure of such orders' existence and states there would be "no compensation" for financial losses resulting from them—raising concerns about transparency and due process.

Baltimore Officer Pleads Guilty To Fraud and Tax Evasion

Lawrence Smith, a Baltimore City Schools police officer with 22 years of service, pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and tax evasion. Smith admitted to stealing about $215,000 by claiming overtime he did not work. He faces up to 25 years in prison and must forfeit at least $261,000. Under current local rules, however, he remains eligible to receive a pension because the city lacks a provision stripping pensions for misconduct by non-elected officials.

Alabama Audit Questions Nearly $5 Million in Bingo Funds

An Alabama state audit found Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison improperly spent nearly $5 million from a county-run bingo fund. From 2018 to 2024 the sheriff's office collected $16.9 million in proceeds under an ordinance that allows nonprofits to raise funds through bingo with sheriff oversight. The audit identified insufficient documentation for millions in expenditures, including $3.16 million paid to employees outside of established salary lines, and noted failures in basic bookkeeping such as unreconciled bank accounts. Benison was ordered to repay funds and the matter has been referred to the district attorney and state attorney general.

Originally appeared on Reason.com.