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California's $23M Homelessness Fraud: Attorney Blasts Newsom

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli criticized Governor Gavin Newsom over a $23 million homelessness-funding fraud scheme.
The accusation says state distributed taxpayer funds without oversight and became a poster-child for fraud.
Alexander Soofer, charity director tied to the Los Angeles Homelessness Services Authority (LAHSA), allegedly misappropriated funds for homelessness programs to finance a lavish lifestyle.
Soofer faces charges and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

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Story summary

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli criticized Governor Gavin Newsom over a $23 million homelessness-funding fraud scheme.
The accusation says state distributed taxpayer funds without oversight and became a poster-child for fraud.
Alexander Soofer, charity director tied to the Los Angeles Homelessness Services Authority (LAHSA), allegedly misappropriated funds for homelessness programs to finance a lavish lifestyle.
Soofer faces charges and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted.