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L.A. Homeless Charity Director Arrested on Federal Wire-Fraud Charge in $23 Million Scheme

Prosecutors link the case to a new homelessness-fraud task force focusing on lax oversight flagged by audits.

Overview

  • Alexander Soofer, 42, executive director of Abundant Blessings, was arrested Friday and charged in a federal criminal complaint.
  • Prosecutors say he obtained more than $23 million in public funds and diverted at least $10 million to a $7 million Westwood home, luxury travel, a Range Rover, private school tuition, and designer purchases.
  • Investigators allege he concealed the fraud with fabricated invoices, false claims of third‑party payments, a sham charity board, and above‑market rents paid to properties he controlled.
  • Contracts directed over $5 million from LAHSA and more than $17 million through Special Service for Groups to serve more than 600 participants between 2018 and 2025.
  • Site inspections found participants received minimal items like ramen and canned goods instead of three nutritious daily meals; he faces up to 20 years federally, with related state charges also announced.