Former Queens Defenders Staffer to Plead Guilty in Fraud Scheme

Rashad Ruhani expected to admit to stealing hundreds of thousands from public defender group with ex-director Lori Zeno.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:41pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, empty wallet against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the financial damage caused by a fraud scheme at a public defender organization.A damning close-up on the financial fallout from a high-profile fraud scheme that shook the Queens legal community.Queens Today

Rashad Ruhani, a former employee of the Queens Defenders public defender organization, is expected to plead guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the nonprofit. Ruhani allegedly worked with the group's former executive director, Lori Zeno, to misuse company credit cards and funds for personal expenses like luxury vacations and a $6,000-per-month penthouse apartment.

Why it matters

The fraud case has rocked the Queens legal community and resulted in the decimation of the Queens Defenders' criminal defense practice. It raises questions about oversight and accountability at nonprofit organizations that rely on public funding.

The details

Ruhani and Zeno are accused of using a Queens Defenders credit card to fund a $10,000 honeymoon in Bali, meals at high-end restaurants, designer shopping sprees, and a $3,000 TV for their Astoria penthouse. They also allegedly hired several people to work lucrative no-show jobs, including Ruhani's legal wife.

  • In June 2025, Ruhani and Zeno were arrested for the fraud scheme.
  • In December 2025, Ruhani pleaded not guilty to charges including wire fraud, theft, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and concealment of evidence.
  • In February 2026, Zeno pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
  • Later this month, Ruhani is expected to change his plea and admit to stealing at least $400,000 from Queens Defenders.

The players

Rashad Ruhani

A former employee of the Queens Defenders public defender organization who is expected to plead guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the nonprofit, working with the former executive director.

Lori Zeno

The former executive director of Queens Defenders who pleaded guilty to stealing around $150,000 from the organization, which was primarily funded by city taxpayer dollars.

Kimberly Osorio

A media personality accused of helping Ruhani hide his phone from FBI agents.

Ureka Washington

Ruhani's legal wife, who was hired for a lucrative no-show job at Queens Defenders.

Teyana Reyes

A former Queens Defenders staffer who was fired along with Ruhani and Washington.

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What they’re saying

“While she said she stole around $150,000 from the nonprofit, which was primarily funded by city taxpayer dollars, she didn't account for the remaining $250,000 the couple was accused of pilfering.”

— Lori Zeno, Former Executive Director, Queens Defenders

What’s next

Ruhani's plea change is expected to take place later this month in federal court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger financial oversight and accountability measures at nonprofit organizations that rely on public funding, to prevent fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars.