AI Startup Founder Indicted for $10M Investor Fraud

Joanna Smith-Griffin, former CEO of AllHere Education, faces charges of securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft for allegedly falsifying financials and misusing funds.

Joanna Smith-Griffin, founder of AI-based education startup AllHere Education, was arrested and charged with defrauding investors of nearly $10 million.
Prosecutors allege Smith-Griffin fabricated revenue figures and falsely claimed contracts with major school districts like NYC and Atlanta Public Schools to secure investments.
The indictment states she used at least $600,000 of investor funds for personal expenses, including a house down payment and wedding costs.
AllHere Education, once lauded for its AI chatbot 'Ed' aimed at improving student engagement, collapsed earlier this year, furloughed employees, and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Smith-Griffin, a former Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on charges of securities fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.