NYC Lawyer Sentenced for Diverting $4.4M COVID Relief to Romance
Bryan McKenna, a Manhattan real estate attorney, broke down in court as he faced up to six years in prison. He admitted stealing $4.4 million meant for COVID protective gear to fund a romance with his then-girlfriend, Duni Zenaye. McKenna’s defense lawyer argued he was driven by financial hardship and needed money for his son’s mental health care. Prosecutors countered that he emptied the escrow account for personal gain and lied about the funds’ whereabouts. Originally held for a shipment of 500,000 medical-grade glove boxes, the escrow account was drained by April 2021. McKenna missed chances to return the money and later admitted to a separate scheme that stole over $260,000 from other clients. In handing down a two- to six-year term, Judge Althea Drysdale cited the breach of trust in both the pandemic relief case and the client thefts.
Use The App To Win ₦1m
Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.