Los Angeles school superintendent denies wrongdoing and asks for his job back during federal probe

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The superintendent of Los Angeles public schools who's on paid leave during a federal investigation released a statement Wednesday denying any wrongdoing and asking to be reinstated as head of the nation’s second-largest district.

The FBI served search warrants on Feb. 25 at Alberto Carvalho's home and the LA Unified School District's headquarters. Two days later, the district's Board of Education voted unanimously to place him on leave pending the outcome of the probe.

“Mr. Carvalho remains confident that the evidence will ultimately demonstrate that he acted appropriately and in the best interests of students,” said the statement, attributed to a spokesperson and distributed by Holland & Knight, the law firm representing him. “We hope the school board reinstates him promptly to his position as superintendent.”

Authorities have not provided details of the nature of the investigation involving the district, which serves more than 500,000 students, nor have they accused Carvalho of any crimes.

The FBI also searched a third location near Miami. The Miami Herald reported the Florida property belonged to Debra Kerr, who previously worked with AllHere, an education technology company that had a contract with Los Angeles schools before it collapsed and its leader was indicted for fraud.

In 2024, Carvalho heavily touted a deal with AllHere for an AI chatbot named “Ed” designed to help students. But about three months after unveiling the technology and paying the company $3 million, the district dropped its dealings with AllHere, which collapsed into bankruptcy. Months later, founder Joanna Smith-Griffin was charged with securities and wire fraud, along with identity theft.

At the time, Carvalho denied personal involvement in the selection of AllHere, according to the Los Angeles Times. Wednesday's statement was his first comment since last month's searches.

“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 said. “While the government’s investigation remains ongoing, no evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law.”

Following the search of school headquarters, LA Unified said it was cooperating with investigators and had no further information.

The board said its decision to place Carvalho on leave was intended to minimize any disruption to its mission of teaching students. Andres Chait, the chief of school operations, was named acting superintendent.

Carvalho became superintendent for LA in 2022. He previously led the public schools in Miami.

An official portrait of LAUSD Superintendents, Alberto Carvalho, left, and former Superintendent Austin Beutner, are displayed at Los Angeles Unified School District board room at LAUSD headquarters, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Los Angeles Unified School District board members listen to online public comments during a meeting at LAUSD headquarters before a special closed session with Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

The exterior of the home of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho is shown on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in San Pedro, Calif. (AP Photo/William Liang)

FILE - Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District speaks about students' improved rising scores before Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation related to student literacy in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with left ankle inflammation.

The team announced the move before its game against the San Francisco Giants.

Rutschman was scratched from the Orioles' lineup about two hours prior to first pitch. Samuel Basallo, originally slated to be the designated hitter, replaced Rutschman behind the plate and Ryan Mountcastle was inserted at DH.

Baltimore selected catcher Maverick Handley from Double-A Chesapeake, and right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott was designted for assignment.

Rutschman was limited to 90 games last season due to injuries and hit .220 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs. He went 3 for 5 with two doubles in a 6-3 loss Friday night and is batting .294 with three RBIs through 10 games this year.

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Texas Rangers' Brandon Nimmo, left, scores past Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) as Rangers' Jake Burger, back right, runs toward first base during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Texas Rangers' Evan Carter, left, scores past Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, right, on an RBI hit by Rangers' Brandon Nimmo (24) during the second inning of a baseball game, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Baltimore Orioles' Adley Rutschman follows through on a one-run double against the Minnesota Twins to score the go-ahead run during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game, Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, left, and pitcher Ryan Helsley celebrate their 8-6 win over the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game, Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Baltimore Orioles' Adley Rutschman (35) celebrates after scoring on a single from Tyler O'Neill (9) during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)