A former executive director of the nonprofit organization Queens Defenders, Lori Zeno, and her husband, Rashad Ruhani, face charges of embezzling $60,000 as outlined in an indictment recently unsealed in a New York federal court. The couple allegedly misappropriated funds intended for the legal aid service’s operations, using corporate credit cards for personal expenses, such as renting a penthouse apartment and vacations. Zeno, who founded Queens Defenders in 1996 and served as its executive director until January, was fired following an internal audit that uncovered financial irregularities. Ruhani’s alleged activities included submitting fraudulent reimbursement claims purportedly for business expenses.
The organization’s chair, Doneath Powell, has emphasized that Queens Defenders remains committed to its mission, maintaining operations without interruption. Zeno’s tenure had previously faced challenges, notably during a 2021 unionization campaign, which led to contentious allegations concerning employee treatment. The case against Zeno and Ruhani is currently underway in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, as detailed in case number 1:25-cr-00182.