Federal Investigation Targets LAUSD Superintendent and Headquarters
Federal agents executed search warrants on a Wednesday at the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) headquarters, the San Pedro residence of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, and a home in Southwest Ranches, Florida. The searches were part of an ongoing federal investigation, the specific nature and allegations of which remain under court seal. Multiple sources familiar with the matter indicated the investigation pertains to "white collar" crime, likely financial. Superintendent Carvalho was later placed on administrative leave in late February and subsequently issued a statement through legal counsel affirming his confidence that evidence would demonstrate appropriate actions.
Federal Agents Execute Warrants
On a Wednesday, federal agents from the FBI executed sealed search warrants at three distinct locations: the Los Angeles Unified School District's downtown headquarters, the San Pedro residence of LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, and a home located in Southwest Ranches, Broward County, Florida. Rukelt Dalberis, a spokesperson for the FBI's Los Angeles field office, confirmed the warrants, citing sealed affidavits for the lack of further details. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California also confirmed the execution of judicially approved warrants.
Sources familiar with the investigation suggested it involves "white collar" crime, potentially financial in nature, and is not related to immigration enforcement.
No arrests were reported during the operations. At LAUSD headquarters, approximately two dozen federal agents retrieved materials without dramatic intervention. Simultaneously, agents were observed carrying cardboard boxes from Superintendent Carvalho's home.
Official Responses and Superintendent's Stance
LAUSD released a statement confirming its cooperation with the investigation, adding that it had no further information at the time. The office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated it had no information regarding the situation, noting the public school system operates independently of city government.
Superintendent Carvalho was placed on administrative leave in late February following the raids. Through a spokesperson and the law firm Holland & Knight, Carvalho later issued a statement expressing confidence that evidence would demonstrate his actions were appropriate and that the school board should reinstate him promptly.
His counsel stated he respects the investigative process, has acted in the best interests of students, and that prosecutors have presented no evidence supporting federal law violations.
Florida Connection and AI Contract Scrutiny
The search in Florida, confirmed by FBI spokesperson James Marshall in Miami, occurred at a residence in Southwest Ranches. Property records link this home to Debra Kerr, who the Miami Herald reported was associated with an AI company that held a multi-million dollar contract with LAUSD.
This AI company, identified as AllHere, had an AI chatbot called "Ed" that LAUSD used but later discontinued. The company's CEO was subsequently charged with fraud, and AllHere furloughed most of its staff within three months of the chatbot's 2024 debut. Superintendent Carvalho has denied personal involvement in the selection process for AllHere.
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho's Profile
Alberto Carvalho, a native of Portugal, arrived in the U.S. at age 17. He earned a biology degree from Barry University in 1990 and began his career as a science teacher in Miami-Dade County. He advanced through administrative roles, serving as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools from 2008 to 2021.
During his 14-year leadership in Miami-Dade, he was recognized for improvements in graduation rates and academic performance, particularly for Black and Hispanic students, and received the Superintendent of the Year award in 2014. He was knighted by Spain in 2021 for expanding Spanish-language school programs.
Carvalho was appointed superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District in 2021 and assumed his role in February 2022. LAUSD is the nation's second-largest school district, serving over 500,000 students. His contract was extended through 2030, following a renewal in 2025, with an annual salary of $440,000. Under his tenure in Los Angeles, the district has reported academic performance improvements.
Broader Context and Prior Issues
The specific allegations underlying the current federal investigation have not been disclosed. Authorities have not linked the current investigation to previous incidents or scrutiny involving Carvalho or LAUSD.
Previously reported issues include:
- A 2020 incident in Florida where a nonprofit founded by Carvalho received a $1.57 million donation from an online education company that the Miami-Dade district later ceased to use. An inspector general concluded there were no ethics policy violations, but an "appearance of impropriety" was noted, and the funds were distributed to teachers.
- Earlier criticism regarding inappropriate emails exchanged between Carvalho and a former reporter.
- Carvalho has vocalized opposition to certain immigration enforcement policies, referencing his own immigrant background, and LAUSD implemented measures to support immigrant students and families.
- The U.S. Justice Department recently petitioned to join a lawsuit alleging discrimination against white students by LAUSD, an issue authorities have explicitly stated is not connected to the current FBI raids.