"Los Angeles Unified schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho introduced "Ed" the AI chatbot amid fanfare in March 2024, touting a revolutionary tool that would put the district at the leading edge of school technology. But the multimillion-dollar project failed within months and never fully launched."
"The LAUSD contract was inked with a Boston-based startup called AllHere. But behind the scenes the company was collapsing and ultimately declared bankruptcy. Its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was indicted on allegations that she defrauded investors. The charges were filed eight months after she and Carvalho stood side by side during the chatbot unveiling."
"Sources with knowledge of the probe told The Times that Carvalho, not LAUSD, is a focus of the investigation. The raids are connected to the failed chatbot contract and fall under the broad category of financial issues, the sources said."
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho unveiled an AI chatbot called 'Ed' in March 2024 as a revolutionary technology tool. The multimillion-dollar project collapsed within months and never fully launched. An FBI investigation has expanded to examine Carvalho's activities and records, along with those of consultant Debra Kerr. The contract was with Boston-based startup AllHere, which subsequently declared bankruptcy. AllHere's founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was indicted on investor fraud allegations eight months after the chatbot unveiling. Neither Carvalho nor Kerr have been charged. Sources indicate Carvalho is a focus of the investigation, which centers on financial issues related to the failed contract.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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