Lori Zeno, founder of Queens Defenders, pleads not guilty to charges of stealing ,000 to support a luxury lifestyle.

Lori Zeno, the former executive director of the Queens Defenders, faces serious legal repercussions after being indicted on charges of wire fraud alongside her partner, Rashad Ruhani. The allegations against Zeno, aged 64, suggest that she misappropriated funds intended for public defense services to support a lavish personal lifestyle, including their residence in a penthouse apartment in Astoria, where rent amounts to ,000 per month.

During a federal court appearance in Brooklyn, Zeno pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against her. The indictment, which took place last week, claims that Zeno and Ruhani pilfered in excess of ,000 from the organization, reportedly utilizing its financial resources for personal luxuries instead of their designated purpose of legal advocacy. Notably, the couple allegedly justified the expenses as being related to “client defense” and “foster parent care.”

The Queens Defenders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. However, legal documents reveal that Zeno and Ruhani engaged in extravagant spending habits, which included using organizational credit cards for a honeymoon in Bali, and purchasing luxury items from high-end retailers such as Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus. Their financial misconduct is further illustrated by individual purchases, including a ,300 television and a ,600 dinner, alongside a 0 dental whitening procedure.

At the court hearing, Magistrate Judge Joseph Maritolo established a bond of 0,000, secured by Zeno’s family members. Meanwhile, Zeno’s legal counsel conveyed that they were still familiarizing themselves with the details of the case. Notably, as part of her bail conditions, Zeno is prohibited from any contact with Ruhani.

Zeno’s connection to Ruhani has raised additional scrutiny; he was released from prison in 2022 after serving 26 years for robbery before being hired by Zeno as a client advocate in October 2023. Their relationship reportedly blossomed shortly thereafter, leading to a marriage in August 2024, which prosecutors allege lacked legal recognition due to both individuals previously being wed to others.

Moreover, Zeno is accused of inappropriately promoting Ruhani within the organization, giving him responsibilities over youth programs, and employing his family members in roles with minimal oversight or duties. The implications of this hiring pattern extend to a ,000-a-year position for an individual who failed to report to work.

The Queens Defenders has received approximately 8,000 in federal funding through the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. As a result of the ongoing investigation, city officials have reassigned the group’s contracts to the Brooklyn Defenders, which provides similar services in the borough.

Zeno and Ruhani now face serious legal consequences as federal prosecutors pursue charges of theft and wire fraud related to the funds intended for public service.