Lori Zeno, the founder of the Queens Defenders legal aid group, has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in federal prison for embezzling over $100,000 from the organization. Zeno, 66, admitted to the scheme, which she claimed was instigated by her former employee and lover, Rashad Ruhani.
In Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday, Zeno stated she was blinded by her feelings for Ruhani, accusing him of pushing her to siphon funds from the non-profit. These funds, she alleged, were used to finance trips to Bali, luxury shopping, and a penthouse apartment. "The man that swore before God that he loved me actually didn’t, and the career I had spent over 40 years building ended in disgrace," Zeno said, appearing tearful. She added, "I was so filled with shame and humiliation that I cannot even describe it."
Prosecutors detailed that Zeno hired Ruhani, 56, in October 2023 when she was executive director of Queens Defenders, an organization providing legal aid and community support to low-income residents. The pair married in a religious ceremony and began their fraudulent activities in the summer of 2024.
Together, they embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the legal group for travel, fine dining, and other luxuries. Court documents revealed expenses such as a $10,000 vacation to Bali, a $1,700 resort stay in Santa Monica, and an 85-inch television costing $3,300 for their penthouse. Zeno leased this apartment for $6,000 per month and resided there with Ruhani. Ruhani also reportedly used the organization's funds for $39,000 towards their rent, claiming the space was used for client defense and foster parent care.
Additional fraudulent expenses included a $600 bill for teeth whitening and over $4,000 for a Louis Vuitton handbag. Letters submitted by public defenders characterized Zeno as a "power-driven bully who ruled with intimidation," with one former staffer accusing her of using hidden cameras and audio devices to intimidate employees. The scheme ultimately led to Queens Defenders losing its $35 million city contract.
Judge Rachel Kovner criticized Zeno for her role in the organization's downfall, stating, "Ms. Zeno was really the person who had the most power in the organization to make this happen." She also pointed to Zeno's decision to provide lucrative no-show jobs to Ruhani's relatives, including one of his legal spouses for a position with a $60,000 salary.
Ruhani, who has a previous robbery conviction, was sentenced to approximately four years in prison in a separate hearing. He apologized for his actions and vowed to improve upon release.
Both defendants were ordered to pay $656,349 in restitution to the Queens Defenders. Zeno must also pay $187,000 in forfeiture, and Ruhani will pay $103,000. Both pleaded guilty to wire fraud this year. Zeno is ordered to surrender for her prison term on September 20.