Los Angeles Homeless Services CEO Charged with Fraud

Prosecutors say he used $23 million in public funds to fund a lavish lifestyle instead of helping the homeless

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The CEO of a Los Angeles homeless services charity, Alexander Soofer, has been charged with federal and state fraud after prosecutors said he used $23 million in public money meant to help the homeless to instead fund a luxury lifestyle that included lavish vacations, designer clothes, and a $7 million home.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability in how public funds for homelessness services are being spent in Los Angeles. It raises questions about whether billions of dollars allocated to combat homelessness are actually reaching those in need.

The details

Soofer, the CEO of the nonprofit Abundant Blessings, was contracted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to use taxpayer money to provide shelter and meals for over 600 homeless residents. Instead, prosecutors say he falsified invoices to claim he was serving fresh meals and renting out rooms, when homeless people were actually being fed canned beans and ramen noodles. Soofer also allegedly paid himself to 'rent' properties he already owned.

  • Soofer was arrested on Friday, February 2, 2026 at his $7 million home.
  • Between 2018 and 2025, Soofer received over $23 million in homeless housing funding.

The players

Alexander Soofer

The 42-year-old CEO of the nonprofit Abundant Blessings, who is accused of defrauding taxpayers to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

The county agency that contracted with Abundant Blessings to provide shelter and meals for the homeless using taxpayer money.

Bill Essayli

The First Assistant U.S. Attorney who announced the charges against Soofer.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who announced the charges against Soofer.

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What they’re saying

“He was living the high life while the people suffering, the homeless, lived on the streets with no shelter, no food.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney (kptv.com)

“Mr. Soofer called his company Abundant Blessings, but the only abundant blessings were the blessings he gave himself.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney (kptv.com)

What’s next

Soofer is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on February 26, 2026. His arraignment on state charges has not yet been scheduled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for greater oversight and accountability in how public funds for homelessness services are spent in Los Angeles. It underscores concerns that billions of dollars allocated to combat homelessness may not be reaching those most in need.