FBI Probe of LAUSD Superintendent Carvalho Sparked by NY Fraud Tip

New details reveal the federal investigation into Alberto Carvalho began over a year ago with a referral from New York prosecutors.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The FBI investigation into Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho began more than a year ago after New York prosecutors working on a criminal fraud case involving the tech firm AllHere referred evidence related to Carvalho to California authorities. This referral ultimately triggered last week's FBI raids on Carvalho's home and office as part of the widening federal probe.

Why it matters

The investigation into Carvalho, a high-profile superintendent who has clashed with federal immigration authorities, has rocked the nation's second-largest school district and raised concerns about accountability and transparency as LAUSD scrambles to contain the fallout.

The details

According to the Los Angeles Times, the FBI probe was sparked by a referral from New York prosecutors working on a criminal fraud case tied to AllHere, the tech firm that struck a $6 million deal with LAUSD to develop an AI chatbot called 'Ed' that was never fully deployed. Prosecutors in the AllHere case uncovered evidence related to Carvalho and passed it along to authorities in California, triggering the FBI searches of Carvalho's homes and offices. The widening federal inquiry has also led to grand jury subpoenas being issued to individuals in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where Carvalho previously led the district.

  • The FBI investigation into Carvalho began more than a year ago.
  • Last week, the FBI executed searches of Carvalho's San Pedro home, his downtown LAUSD office, and a Miami residence.
  • On Friday, the LAUSD school board voted 7-0 to place Carvalho on indefinite leave and elevate longtime insider Andres Chait to acting superintendent.

The players

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District who is at the center of the widening federal fraud probe.

Joanna Smith-Griffin

The 33-year-old founder of the tech firm AllHere who was arrested in 2024 and charged with securities fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for allegedly inflating the company's revenue, customer base and cash reserves to secure nearly $10 million from investors.

Andres Chait

A longtime LAUSD insider who was elevated to acting superintendent after the school board placed Carvalho on indefinite leave.

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What they’re saying

“As acting superintendent, my top priority is to keep Los Angeles Unified steady and focused on our core mission. I know transitions can create uncertainty, but our district is strong.”

— Andres Chait, Acting Superintendent, LAUSD

“Are you going to empower him to do his job? Which one of you is going to take responsibility?”

— Unidentified speaker, Parent

What’s next

The judge overseeing the AllHere fraud case in New York is expected to make a decision on whether to allow the company's founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The FBI investigation into Superintendent Carvalho has rocked the LAUSD, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency in the nation's second-largest school district as it navigates this major upheaval. The probe's origins in a New York fraud case underscore the complex web of issues facing urban school systems and the need for rigorous oversight.