FBI Raids LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho's Home and Office Amid AI Chatbot Probe

Federal Agents Execute Warrants in LA and Florida

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, executed search warrants at the San Pedro home of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and at the district's downtown Los Angeles headquarters. The law enforcement activity also extended to a residence in Broward County, Florida, linked to an individual associated with the investigation. Authorities have confirmed the execution of court-authorized warrants but have declined to provide specific details, as the underlying affidavits remain under seal.

The LAUSD issued a statement acknowledging the 'law enforcement activity' and affirmed its cooperation with the investigation.

AI Chatbot Project Under Scrutiny

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the federal probe appears to be tied to a company that developed an AI chatbot for the nation's second-largest school system. The AI tool, named 'Ed,' was launched by LAUSD in March 2024, touted by Carvalho as a 'game changer' for student and family interaction. However, the project faced challenges and was quietly disconnected less than three months after its unveiling.

The company involved, AllHere, later filed for bankruptcy, and its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in 2024. While the district had spent approximately $3 million of a potential $6 million contract with AllHere, the financial exposure to LAUSD was reportedly limited. Carvalho had previously denied personal involvement in the selection of AllHere for the LAUSD project.

Broader Context and Previous Allegations

The investigation's scope is not fully clear due to the sealed warrants. However, some law enforcement sources suggest the probe may involve allegations of kickbacks from a business that predate Carvalho's tenure at LAUSD, specifically during his time as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools from 2008 to 2022. During his leadership in Miami, Carvalho faced scrutiny in 2020 regarding a $1.57 million donation solicited from an online education company for a foundation he oversaw. An inspector general's review found no 'actual' wrongdoing but noted an 'appearance of impropriety.'

Carvalho, who joined LAUSD in February 2022, has been a prominent figure in education, known for improving academics and his outspoken defense of immigrant students. His contract with LAUSD was renewed in September 2025.

Ongoing Investigation

As of now, no specific wrongdoing has been publicly alleged against Superintendent Carvalho, and the FBI has not disclosed the target of its investigation. The raids signify a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the district's leadership and its past dealings with technology vendors. The LAUSD Board of Education has stated that its priority remains ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment for students, families, and employees.