Racist Slumlord Gets 17 Years for Abusing Black Tenants and Defrauding the Government
A landlord, described by prosecutors as operating "neglected, even uninhabitable" homes, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for racially harassing tenants and committing fraud.
David Merryman reportedly owned 62 rental properties in Hampton and Newport News, primarily renting to low-income Black tenants with limited credit and housing options.
According to tenants who spoke with WTKR, the 59-year-old man directed racial slurs at them, including the n-word, while they were renting his properties. These properties were plagued by numerous problems, such as broken HVAC systems, damaged flooring, and rodent infestations.
Prosecutors detailed how Merryman orchestrated a complex scheme involving rental properties from 2019 through at least January 2024.
A key aspect of his scheme involved defrauding the government to obtain rent relief benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Merryman allegedly used tenants' personal information without their knowledge, forging their signatures to submit rent relief applications.
He then kept the relief funds for himself and, in numerous instances, either evicted or threatened to evict the tenants whose identities he had exploited to carry out the fraud.
Merryman ultimately pleaded guilty to crimes including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and race-based interference with housing and employment.
