FBI Raids on LAUSD Superintendent Part of Probe Linked to Defunct AI Startup AllHere

FBI agents arrived at the doorstep of Alberto Carvalho's $1.4 million home in San Pedro, California, on Wednesday, their presence a stark contrast to the quiet neighborhood. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) superintendent was among those targeted in a coordinated series of raids that also included his office at the district's downtown headquarters and a residence in Southwest Ranches, Florida. Federal officials confirmed the searches but offered no details about their purpose, leaving speculation swirling among educators, parents, and local media.

The raids came as part of an ongoing probe linked to AllHere, a defunct artificial intelligence startup that once partnered with LAUSD in a $6 million contract. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2024, and its founder was arrested the same year on fraud charges, according to the New York Times. Public records show Debra Kerr, a former AllHere sales representative, owns the Florida property raided by agents. However, federal officials have not identified her as a target of the investigation.

LAUSD issued a brief statement confirming it is cooperating with authorities but provided no further details. 'We are aware of the situation involving Mr. Carvalho and are working with federal agencies,' a spokesperson said. The district, which oversees 400,000 students, has faced mounting scrutiny in recent years. Carvalho, who earns $440,000 annually, has been at the helm since 2022, a tenure marked by controversy.

Sources close to the investigation told the Los Angeles Times the raids focused on Carvalho personally rather than the district itself. They described the operation as falling under 'the broad category of financial issues,' though no specific charges have been filed. The FBI has sealed the search warrants, leaving the public in the dark.

This is not the first time Carvalho has drawn the attention of law enforcement. In 2008, while working for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, he sent a series of suggestive emails to a reporter while married, one message reading, 'Will you be completely offended if I jump into your arms the next time I see you? Love, love, love you.' The Miami Herald later published the emails, leading to public accusations of infidelity. Carvalho denied having an affair at the time.

The superintendent has also clashed with federal agencies. In 2025, he publicly condemned Homeland Security Investigations agents for allegedly checking on the welfare of undocumented students at LAUSD schools. Last year, he turned away agents from two elementary schools, prompting criticism. In July 2025, Carvalho accused Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents of urinating on the grounds of a Pico Rivera school, calling the alleged act a 'new level of despicable insult.'

The raids add to a list of controversies surrounding LAUSD. In 2020, the Office of the Inspector General uncovered a $1.57 million donation to a nonprofit chaired by Carvalho. The donation's timing raised questions, and investigators requested its return. Last month, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against LAUSD, alleging that its desegregation program discriminated against white students. A district spokesperson said LAUSD remains committed to providing equitable education but declined to comment on the litigation.

Community leaders have expressed concern over the potential fallout. 'When a school district faces federal scrutiny, it sends shockwaves through families,' said Maria Gonzalez, a parent advocate in Los Angeles. 'Students deserve stability, not headlines about corruption or mismanagement.' The raids have also intensified debates about the role of school leaders in high-profile contracts and their personal conduct.

As of now, no one has confirmed the exact nature of the FBI's investigation. The lack of transparency has left many in the LAUSD community on edge. 'This isn't just about one person,' said Dr. James Lee, a former LAUSD administrator. 'It's about whether the district is being held accountable for its decisions.' The Daily Mail has contacted the FBI, LAUSD, Carvalho, and Kerr for comment, but none have responded yet.