Homeless Aid Fraud
Lakiya Malone, charged with fraud involving federal homelessness aid programs, walks out of her home toward federal authorities with her hand raised in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.
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Federal authorities have charged three people with stealing $12 million in homelessness aid, allegedly using the money to buy real estate, take luxury trips, and purchase vintage vehicles. This is the second arrest in Southern California this week related to federal fraud charges. On Tuesday, 12 people were charged with stealing over $10 million in childcare aid. The defendants worked for nonprofits contracted to provide housing and social services. Prosecutors say they misused funds, accepted bribes and billed for services never provided. The Trump administration is emphasizing a crackdown on fraud and waste in government programs.
