A Virginia landlord has been convicted and sentenced to 17 years in prison for committing a series of heinous crimes against his Black tenants. David L. Merryman, 59, who owned more than 60 rental properties in Newport News and Hampton, primarily inhabited by Black residents, engaged in racial harassment and identity theft. His fraudulent actions also involved illegally obtaining COVID relief funds.
The crimes committed
This Article Includes
Reports from Law & Crime and a press release from the Department of Justice reveal that Merryman had been involved in a fraudulent scheme from 2019 to January 2024. His actions included unlawfully obtaining rent relief benefits and accepting substantial upfront payments from tenants for properties that were in a state of disrepair.
Merryman focused on maximizing his profits by targeting families of color with limited housing options. His properties, which were mainly situated in low-income neighborhoods, were frequently in a state of disrepair. These homes often had issues like holes in the ceilings, leaks, and infestations of rodents. Merryman took advantage of the vulnerability of these families, exploiting their situation for his own financial gain.
Racial harassment and discrimination
Merryman didn’t just commit financial fraud; he was also accused of racially harassing his tenants. His actions included using slurs and making derogatory comments that were related to slavery. These behaviors infringed upon the tenants’ rights to live without experiencing racial harassment and threats.
Victims said that Merryman’s acts caused not only financial exploitation but also emotional and psychological suffering. Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, pointed out that Merryman’s victims were frequently parents trying to provide for their families, emphasizing the predatory nature of his conduct.
Fraudulent COVID relief applications
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Merryman exploited the situation by submitting deceitful applications for rent relief. Without their consent, he misused his tenants’ personal information and forged signatures to obtain housing assistance payments from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). His dishonest actions involved making false assertions about the state of his rental properties and deliberately withholding information about other payments he was receiving.
Rae Oliver Davis, the Inspector General for HUD, strongly criticized Merryman’s actions, stating that “his criminal behavior showed a complete lack of respect for both the law and the welfare of his low-income tenants.” This sentencing serves as an important reminder of the legal and moral obligations that landlords have towards their tenants, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The case against Merryman highlights the pressing need for accountability in the housing sector, particularly when it comes to how Black tenants and other vulnerable populations are treated. The decision to impose a 17-year prison sentence not only provides justice for the victims but also serves as a powerful statement that racial discrimination and fraud will not be tolerated.
Advocating for fair treatment and upholding the rights of all tenants is crucial as communities navigate the challenges of housing insecurity. The actions of individuals like Merryman shed light on systemic issues that demand ongoing attention and reform to guarantee safe and equitable housing for everyone.