Charity Head Arrested in Los Angeles, Accused of Million-Dollar Fraud
Los Angeles, CA – Federal authorities have apprehended the executive director of a Los Angeles-based charity, accusing him of a large-scale fraud scheme that allegedly misused millions of dollars earmarked for the city’s homeless.
Alexander Soofer, 42, who led the non-profit organization Abundant Blessings, was arrested at his home in Westwood on Friday. The charges allege that he diverted taxpayer funds intended to assist the homeless population, using the money instead to finance a lavish lifestyle.
Prosecutors contend that Soofer, while claiming to provide housing and meals to hundreds of vulnerable individuals, treated public funds as his personal bank account. He allegedly spent millions on a $7 million mansion, private jet travel, and luxury goods.
According to the criminal complaint, Abundant Blessings received over $23 million from 2018 to 2025 through contracts with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and other affiliated organizations. The charity was responsible for providing housing and meals to more than 600 people.
However, investigators uncovered a different reality at Soofer’s facilities. Instead of balanced meals, residents were reportedly served inexpensive foods such as ramen noodles and canned beans. Soofer allegedly claimed that his spending was approved by a board of directors, but agents discovered the board was fabricated. Additionally, he is accused of creating fake invoices to misdirect funds into his own accounts.
Prosecutors allege that Soofer diverted at least $10 million for personal use. These expenditures include a $7 million home in Westwood, a $475,000 vacation property in Greece, private jet charters, stays at luxury resorts, and purchases from high-end designers such as Hermès and Chanel. Agents seized a $125,000 Range Rover during Soofer’s arrest.
“This money should have helped those in need,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, “Instead, it lined the pockets of an individual.”
Soofer is charged with wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced additional felony counts of conflict of interest, forgery, and providing false evidence, which could add another 17 years to his sentence.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass described the allegations as “despicable” and emphasized a strict policy against fraud in the city’s homelessness programs, she stated “My administration has zero tolerance for corruption – period. We’re working with the U.S. Attorney’s office to ensure that anyone who engages in fraud against the city will face the full force of the law and my administration’s unwavering commitment to accountability.”
This case highlights the importance of responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, especially when directed towards vulnerable populations. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms for non-profit organizations receiving government funding. Many conservatives argue for stricter accountability and transparency in these programs, emphasizing the need to ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose. There’s a growing concern about proper verification and monitoring of how funds are allocated and spent, to make sure that they benefit those in need.
Soofer made his initial court appearance Friday afternoon.
