Charity Director Charged With Stealing $10 Million Meant For LA Homeless

A California man is facing a potential 17 year prison sentence after federal and local authorities uncovered a massive embezzlement scheme targeting the city’s most vulnerable residents. Alexander Soofer, the 42 year old executive director of the Los Angeles based charity Abundant Blessings, was arrested on Friday.

Prosecutors allege that while Soofer secured $23 million in public contracts to house and feed the homeless, he pocketed nearly $10 million for a life of extreme luxury.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Soofer used the stolen tax dollars to fund a lifestyle that stood in stark contrast to the mission of his organization. The embezzled funds allegedly covered a down payment on a $7 million mansion in an upscale L.A. neighborhood, the purchase of vacation property in Greece, and frequent travel via private jets and five star resorts. While Soofer was living like a high roller, an investigation revealed his charity was failing to provide even basic necessities to those it was paid to serve.

Government agencies, including the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, awarded Soofer contracts based on his promise to provide participants with three nutritious meals a day. However, site visits conducted after hotline complaints told a different story. Investigators found that instead of healthful meals, the only food available was ramen noodles, canned beans, and breakfast bars.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that Soofer allegedly covered his tracks by creating “fake and misleading invoices” and falsifying documents to keep the public funds flowing.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman did not mince words during a press conference regarding the 18 felony counts filed against Soofer. “Self dealing government funds intended for food and housing for homeless residents of L.A. County, including families and children, is despicable,” Hochman stated. He pointed out the irony of the charity’s name, adding, “The defendant called his company ‘Abundant Blessings,’ but the only abundant blessings he gave were to himself.”

Soofer made his first court appearance in Santa Ana, where his bond was set at $1.5 million. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 26.