LOS ANGELES, CA – The head of a charity that was supposed to feed tens of thousands of homeless people in Los Angeles allegedly pocketed more than $23 million in taxpayer funds to bankroll a lavish lifestyle that included a $7 million mansion and a $125,000 Range Rover.
Alexander Soofer, who ran the South Los Angeles-based nonprofit Abundant Blessings, was arrested on federal wire fraud charges that could land him in prison for up to 20 years.
According to prosecutors, the charity had contracts to provide “at least three healthy, balanced, nutritious meals a day” to approximately 72,000 homeless individuals across the greater Los Angeles area. Instead, the people who needed help the most allegedly got ramen noodles and a microwave.
Soofer allegedly used the stolen funds to make a down payment on a $7 million mansion, pay for his children’s private school tuition, purchase a luxury Range Rover, and make high-end improvements to his home. Prosecutors say he submitted fake invoices to make vendors appear legitimate.
Federal prosecutor Bill Essayli did not mince words when describing the alleged scheme.
“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,” Essayli said.
Authorities indicated that this arrest is just the “tip of the iceberg” and that additional fraud charges are expected. The investigation into misuse of homeless funds in Los Angeles is ongoing.
The case highlights growing concerns about oversight of the billions of dollars that have been funneled into addressing California’s homelessness crisis, with critics questioning whether the money is actually reaching those who need it.
