Federal agents executed search warrants Wednesday. They targeted the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters. Agents also searched the home of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
The FBI confirmed the actions. However, officials have not disclosed the investigation’s specific focus. Authorities served warrants at multiple locations. This included LAUSD’s main office. It also included Carvalho’s residence in San Pedro. A property in Florida was searched too. Affidavits detailing the investigation remain sealed. No arrests have been announced. The news has put Los Angeles schools under a national spotlight.
Focus on AI Company Investigation
Sources suggest the probe may involve a company called AllHere. This tech firm developed an AI chatbot for LAUSD students. The district paid AllHere $3 million for the service. The chatbot was named “Ed.” It was touted as a game-changer. However, the project faced issues. AllHere later collapsed into bankruptcy in 2024. Its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was charged with fraud. Federal prosecutors indicted her for securities and wire fraud. She also faced identity theft charges. Carvalho denies personal involvement in selecting AllHere. The investigation appears financial in nature. It seems to focus on Carvalho himself. It is not directly tied to LAUSD operations. This news is significant for Los Angeles.
Superintendent’s Background
Alberto Carvalho is a nationally recognized education leader. He has led major school districts. He headed Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 14 years. There, he improved academic performance. Graduation rates also saw significant gains. He was named Superintendent of the Year in 2014. Carvalho took charge of LAUSD in February 2022. He leads the nation’s second-largest school district. This Los Angeles district serves over 500,000 students. Carvalho has a reputation for strong leadership. He has also been an advocate for immigrant students. He came to the U.S. from Portugal as a teen. He has spoken about his past struggles with poverty.
Past Scrutiny and Current Issues
Carvalho has faced scrutiny before. In Miami, a nonprofit he founded received a large donation. This came from an education company the district planned to use. An inspector general found no policy violations. However, it noted an “appearance of impropriety.” The funds were later redistributed to teachers. LAUSD itself faces other legal challenges. A lawsuit claims the district misused arts education funds. Another alleges discrimination in its desegregation program. The district stated it is cooperating fully with the FBI. This investigation adds to ongoing concerns. It affects the landscape of Los Angeles news.
Investigation Continues
Federal agents executed the search warrants on Wednesday, March 21, 2023. The FBI’s actions were court-authorized. The U.S. Attorney’s office confirmed the searches. However, they offered no further details. The sealed nature of the affidavits means much remains unknown. The investigation is ongoing. It continues to draw national attention. The future implications for LAUSD leadership are unclear. This unfolding news highlights the complex operations within Los Angeles schools.
