LOS ANGELES
Federal authorities arrested a Westwood man Wednesday on allegations he fraudulently obtained more than $23 million in public funds meant to combat homelessness and pocketed at least $10 million for personal use, officials announced Friday.
Alexander Soofer, 42, executive director of South Los Angeles–based nonprofit Abundant Blessings, is charged with wire fraud. He was arrested Wednesday morning.
He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Prosecutors allege Soofer diverted taxpayer money between 2018 and 2025 while contracting with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to house and serve more than 600 unhoused people.
Authorities say he falsified invoices, fabricated vendors and a nonprofit board, and funneled funds into personal accounts.
Investigators allege Soofer used the money for a $7 million Westwood home, luxury travel, private school tuition, a Range Rover, and a planned vacation property in Greece, while failing to provide adequate food and services promised under city contracts.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.