Alexander Soofer, 42, has been charged with wire fraud. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is also charging Soofer with 18 felony counts, accusing him of defrauding the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
"Self-dealing government funds intended for food and housing for homeless residents of L.A. County, including families and children, is despicable," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "The defendant called his company 'Abundant Blessings,' but the only abundant blessings he gave were to himself. My office will ensure anyone who thinks they can defraud the government will be brought to justice."
Federal prosecutors say Soofer illegally pocketed at least $10 million, using that money to buy a $7 million house in Westwood, a vacation home in Greece, a $125,000 Range Rover, private jet travel and stays at luxury resorts.
"California is the poster child of rampant fraud, waste, and abuse of tax dollars," said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. "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 is just one example of how fraudsters have swindled millions of dollars from taxpayers. This money should have gone to those in need, instead it lines the pockets of individuals subsidizing their lavish lifestyle."
Prosecutors say Soofer is the executive director of Abundant Blessings, a charity based in Hyde Park.
A spokesperson for LAHSA said the agency terminated its relationship with Abundant Blessings in October 2024.
"In the case of Abundant Blessings, we identified issues, investigated and substantiated those concerns, terminated their contracts, and referred them to the proper authorities," said LAHSA Communications Director Ahmad Chapman. "We will continue our efforts to monitor provider performance to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to address homelessness as effectively and efficiently as possible."
If convicted, Soofer faces 17 years in state prison, Hochman said. That's in addition to the federal case that can earn him up to 20 years behind bars.