Virginia Landlord Sentenced to 17 Years for Abusing Black Tenants and Forging Signatures on COVID-19 Relief Applications [Video]

A Virginia landlord will spend 17 years in prison for abusing his Black tenants and even stealing their identities.

Video

David Merryman, 59, who owns over 50 properties in Hampton and Newport News, was convicted of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and race-based interference with housing and employment. Prosecutors revealed Merryman’s abusive tactics, including racial intimidation, threats of violence, and fraudulently obtaining pandemic rent relief by forging tenant signatures. He also neglected his properties, leaving tenants to endure unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors sought a 14-year term, citing Merryman’s extensive criminal activity over the past decade, while his defense attorney, Andrew Sacks, called this sentence “excessive” and requested only six years. The judge ultimately imposed a 180-month sentence for wire fraud and an additional two years for identity theft.

“The unique facet of this investigation from a hate crimes perspective is the number of people abused by David Merryman, the degree they were abused, and the cruelty they had to endure,” said Ted Rose, a former FBI agent who investigated the case. Merryman apologized in court, stating he was “truly sorry” and “very humbled” by his actions.

Prosecutors argued Merryman’s racist behavior was a calculated scheme to speed up tenant turnover and increase profits. Tenants reported enduring issues like rodent infestations, leaking ceilings, and sewage leaks. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman stated, “A pattern is a way to establish specific intent to defraud.”