A Virginia landlord has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for racially harassing Black tenants and stealing their identities to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief funds.
David L. Merryman, 59, owned over 60 rental properties in Newport News and Hampton, predominantly Black and low-income areas. His properties were often in disrepair, with issues like leaks, rodent infestations, and structural damage. Despite this, Merryman exploited his tenants’ limited housing options, charging excessive upfront fees and evicting them quickly to restart the fraud cycle, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
From 2019 to January 2024, Merryman targeted vulnerable tenants, using their personal information to file fraudulent rent relief applications and forging their signatures.
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He also made false claims to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive federal assistance, misrepresenting the condition of his properties.
Merryman subjected his tenants to racist harassment, including slurs, comments about slavery, death threats, and physical intimidation. His actions violated tenants’ rights to live and work free from racially motivated abuse.
“David Merryman deliberately targeted families of color with limited means and housing options,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “He failed to uphold his responsibilities as a landlord and is paying a heavy price for his racial discrimination and fraud.”
The FBI and HUD investigators emphasized the severity of Merryman’s crimes, highlighting the economic and emotional harm inflicted on his tenants. “Merryman’s actions showed repulsive disregard for both the law and his tenants’ well-being,” said Rae Oliver Davis, HUD Inspector General.
