By Michele Evans NYweeklyRecord.com
7/29/2026
QUEENS, N.Y. — The people who needed justice the most were supposed to be protected.
Instead, federal prosecutors say the very organization created to defend low-income New Yorkers became a vehicle for personal enrichment, leaving thousands of vulnerable clients caught in the fallout.
This week, former Queens Defenders founder and executive director Lori Zeno was sentenced in federal court to 43 months in prison after admitting to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the nonprofit she built to provide legal representation to people who could not afford an attorney.
According to prosecutors, Zeno and former executive director Rashad Ruhani diverted nonprofit funds for personal expenses over several years, using money intended to support public defense and community programs.
Federal investigators said the stolen funds paid for luxury travel, expensive meals, entertainment, clothing, home renovations, and other personal purchases while the organization depended on public funding to serve thousands of New Yorkers.
The consequences reached far beyond financial records.
Queens Defenders ultimately lost its city contract and ceased operations, disrupting legal representation for approximately 16,000 clients. The nonprofit also operated food pantry programs and community services that many neighborhood residents depended on.
For families already struggling with poverty, housing instability, or involvement in the criminal justice system, the collapse meant more than the loss of a legal provider. It meant losing an organization many had trusted during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Public defenders occupy a unique place in the justice system.
They represent people facing criminal charges regardless of income, protecting constitutional rights and ensuring every person receives legal representation. When leaders entrusted with that mission abuse public resources, the damage extends beyond dollars—it undermines confidence in the justice system itself.
Federal prosecutors described the scheme as a betrayal of taxpayers, donors, employees, and the thousands of clients Queens Defenders existed to serve.
Ruhani previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced earlier this year for his role in the fraud.
The case serves as a reminder that nonprofit organizations handling public funds are not immune from corruption. While the overwhelming majority of legal aid organizations faithfully serve their communities, this prosecution demonstrates the importance of strong oversight, financial transparency, and independent accountability.
The victims were not simply government agencies.
They were the people who walked through Queens Defenders’ doors seeking justice, stability, and hope.
Instead, many found themselves paying the price for a betrayal committed by those entrusted to protect them.
By Michele Evans
MicheleEvansNews.com
QUEENS, N.Y. — The people who needed justice the most were supposed to be protected.
Instead, federal prosecutors say the very organization created to defend low-income New Yorkers became a vehicle for personal enrichment, leaving thousands of vulnerable clients caught in the fallout.
This week, former Queens Defenders founder and executive director Lori Zeno was sentenced in federal court to 43 months in prison after admitting to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the nonprofit she built to provide legal representation to people who could not afford an attorney.
According to prosecutors, Zeno and former executive director Rashad Ruhani diverted nonprofit funds for personal expenses over several years, using money intended to support public defense and community programs.
Federal investigators said the stolen funds paid for luxury travel, expensive meals, entertainment, clothing, home renovations, and other personal purchases while the organization depended on public funding to serve thousands of New Yorkers.
The consequences reached far beyond financial records.
Queens Defenders ultimately lost its city contract and ceased operations, disrupting legal representation for approximately 16,000 clients. The nonprofit also operated food pantry programs and community services that many neighborhood residents depended on.
For families already struggling with poverty, housing instability, or involvement in the criminal justice system, the collapse meant more than the loss of a legal provider. It meant losing an organization many had trusted during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Public defenders occupy a unique place in the justice system.
They represent people facing criminal charges regardless of income, protecting constitutional rights and ensuring every person receives legal representation. When leaders entrusted with that mission abuse public resources, the damage extends beyond dollars—it undermines confidence in the justice system itself.
Federal prosecutors described the scheme as a betrayal of taxpayers, donors, employees, and the thousands of clients Queens Defenders existed to serve.
Ruhani previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced earlier this year for his role in the fraud.
The case serves as a reminder that nonprofit organizations handling public funds are not immune from corruption. While the overwhelming majority of legal aid organizations faithfully serve their communities, this prosecution demonstrates the importance of strong oversight, financial transparency, and independent accountability.
The victims were not simply government agencies.
They were the people who walked through Queens Defenders’ doors seeking justice, stability, and hope.
Instead, many found themselves paying the price for a betrayal committed by those entrusted to protect them.
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