Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Albert Carvalho, who was placed on administrative leave following an FBI raid at his home and office last month, broke his silence Tuesday, denying any wrongdoing.
Through a statement released via a spokesperson, Carvalho maintained his innocence amid the federal investigation.
“Mr. Carvalho remains confident that the evidence will ultimately demonstrate that he acted appropriately and in the best interests of students. We hope the School Board reinstates him promptly to his position as Superintendent,” the statement read.
Amid the investigation, the LAUSD Board of Education unanimously voted to place the superintendent on paid administrative leave. Andres Chair, a longtime educator, was named as the interim acting superintendent.
Carvalho’s legal representative, Holland & Knight LLP, said they look forward to cooperating with law enforcement so that “the full facts can be reviewed in their entirety.”
“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,” the statement continued. “While the government’s investigation remains ongoing, no evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law.”
The FBI has not said what they’re investigating in relation to Carvalho, but it served search warrants at his office near LAUSD headquarters, his San Pedro home and a house near Miami, Florida.
A longtime LAUSD employee has been named the interim superintendent. Karma Dickerson reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.
While the FBI stayed mum about the searches at Carvalho’s home and office, court records show federal prosecutors have a separate, ongoing fraud case against the CEO of the now-defunct education technology company called AllHere, which landed a $6 million contract with the district to provide an AI-powered chatbot called “Ed” two years ago.
When unveiling “Ed,” Carvalho touted that it would act as a personal assistant for students and parents. The chatbot was supposed to do multiple tasks, such as tracking grades and providing educational and mental health resources.
The investment fell apart and Joanna Smith-Griffin, the founder of AllHere, was arrested and charged with securities, wire fraud and identity theft. By the time the AI deal collapsed, the LAUSD had reportedly paid AllHere $3 million in advance.
Carvalho is not named in the investigation against Smith-Griffin.