Patriot Brief

  • What Happened: California officials arrested Alexander Soofer, accusing him of stealing tens of millions in taxpayer funds meant for homeless services.

  • Why It Matters: The case raises serious concerns about oversight of massive homelessness spending in California.

  • Bottom Line: Federal prosecutors say public money meant to help the homeless was diverted for personal luxury.

This is what corruption looks like when nobody is watching. A California man is now in custody after federal authorities say he stole millions of taxpayer dollars meant to house and feed the homeless and used it to bankroll a luxury lifestyle.

Alexander Soofer, the executive director of a charity called Abundant Blessings, was arrested after a pre dawn raid at his multi million dollar Los Angeles mansion. Prosecutors say his organization received more than $23 million in taxpayer funds to help homeless residents across the region.

According to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, Soofer has been charged with wire fraud, a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. “California was pushing this money out quickly,” Essayli said. “Very little vetting, very little checks and balances.”

Instead of providing homeless individuals with “at least three healthy, balanced, nutritious meals a day,” Essayli said Soofer allegedly served ramen noodles and a microwave. Meanwhile, prosecutors say Soofer used the money to put a down payment on a $7 million mansion, cover private school tuition for his children, and buy a $125,000 Range Rover.

“He was living the high life while the people suffering, homeless on the streets with no shelter, no food, they’re living out on the streets,” Essayli said.

Federal agents later towed Soofer’s Range Rover as part of the investigation.

The case comes as scrutiny intensifies over California’s homelessness spending. Independent journalist Nick Shirleywarned Congress that fraud in California could be worse than Minnesota’s. Essayli has even dubbed Gavin Newsom the “king of fraud.”

Authorities say this arrest is only the beginning. The iceberg is cracking.

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