Former Queens Defenders Head Pleads Guilty to Fraud

Lori Zeno stole over $300,000 from the public defender organization to fund lavish personal expenses.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:23am

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Lori Zeno, the former executive director of the Queens Defenders public defender organization, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for stealing over $300,000 in public funds to pay for personal expenses like international vacations, teeth whitening, and luxury apartment rentals. Zeno and her romantic partner Rashad Ruhani used the stolen money for a lavish spending spree on items from high-end retailers. Zeno faces around 5 years in prison for the fraud.

Why it matters

The case has uncovered a disturbing level of corruption at the head of an organization meant to provide legal services to the city's most vulnerable residents. It raises questions about oversight and accountability for nonprofits receiving public funding, as well as the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such abuses of power.

The details

According to federal prosecutors, Zeno and Ruhani used over $300,000 of the Queens Defenders' funds on personal expenses like a vacation to Bali, teeth whitening, repairs to a Mercedes-Benz, and rent for a luxury penthouse apartment. Zeno also hired relatives and friends of Ruhani's for jobs where they did no work, including Ruhani's wife who was paid $60,000 to lead a nonexistent health and wellness program.

  • On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Zeno pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy in federal court.
  • Zeno is set to be sentenced on April 20, 2026.
  • Zeno was fired from the Queens Defenders in January 2025 after an independent audit uncovered "several irregularities".

The players

Lori Zeno

The former executive director of the Queens Defenders public defender organization, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for stealing over $300,000 in public funds.

Rashad Ruhani

Zeno's romantic partner, who maintained his innocence in the case.

Kimberly Osorio

A third defendant in the case, who was charged in October with lying to federal investigators.

Queens Defenders

The public defender organization that Zeno founded in 1996 and led as executive director, which is paid through city, state, and federal contracts to represent defendants who cannot afford a lawyer.

Brooklyn Defenders

Another public defender organization in New York City that was assigned the Queens Defenders' annual $32 million contract after Zeno was fired.

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What they’re saying

“It's a very sad moment.”

— Steven Legon, Lawyer for Lori Zeno

“Lori Zeno 'brazenly betrayed and abused her position of trust as the director of a nonprofit.'”

— Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York

“Queens Defenders is under new leadership and focused on our work to serve the people of the borough.”

— Mike Scala, President of the Queens Defenders board of directors

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Zeno's sentence on April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures for nonprofits receiving public funding, to prevent abuses of power and ensure the proper use of taxpayer dollars intended to serve vulnerable communities.