LA Schools Chief Denies Wrongdoing After FBI Raid

Alberto Carvalho asks to be reinstated as superintendent amid ongoing investigation

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, has denied any wrongdoing after FBI agents raided his home and office on February 25. Carvalho, who is currently on paid administrative leave, said through his lawyers that he "acted appropriately and in the best interests of students" and hopes to be promptly reinstated. The raids were part of an investigation into AllHere, a failed company that had a multi-million dollar contract with LAUSD for an AI chatbot project.

Why it matters

The FBI raid on the home and office of the LA schools chief has raised concerns about potential misconduct within the district's leadership. As the head of the nation's second-largest school system, Carvalho's actions and the ongoing investigation could have significant implications for the district and its students.

The details

According to sources, FBI agents with long rifles drawn placed both Carvalho and his wife in handcuffs while searching their home and seizing computers, phones, and documents. Simultaneously, agents searched the district's headquarters, directing most employees to leave. The warrant was related to the failed AllHere chatbot project, which cost LAUSD $3 million before the company's collapse. Carvalho has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and the underlying affidavit justifying the warrant has not been released.

  • On February 25, 2026, FBI agents raided Carvalho's home and the LAUSD headquarters.
  • Two days after the raids, on February 27, the LA Board of Education voted 7-0 to place Carvalho on paid administrative leave.

The players

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, who is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the FBI investigation.

Maria Florio Borgia Carvalho

The wife of Alberto Carvalho, who was also present during the FBI raid on their home.

Devora Navera Reed

The general counsel for the Los Angeles Unified School District, who was present during the FBI search of the district headquarters.

Joanna Smith-Griffin

The founder and former CEO of AllHere, the company behind the failed LAUSD chatbot project, who was arrested in 2024 and charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft.

Debra Kerr

An education sales consultant who formerly represented AllHere and had her Florida home raided by the FBI on the same day as the Carvalho raids.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Carvalho remains confident that the evidence will ultimately demonstrate that he acted appropriately and in the best interests of students.”

— Spokesperson (Statement issued through a spokesperson and a law firm representing Carvalho)

“Mr. Carvalho respects the rule of law and the investigative process and has always acted in the best interests of students and within the bounds of the law.”

— Spokesperson (Statement issued through a spokesperson and a law firm representing Carvalho)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Carvalho to be reinstated as superintendent while the investigation continues.

The takeaway

The FBI raid on the LA schools chief's home and office has raised serious questions about potential misconduct within the district's leadership, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in the management of the nation's second-largest school system.