Manhattan Lawyer Swindles $4.4M Meant for COVID Gear to Fund Lavish Romance
A Manhattan attorney has been accused of embezzling a staggering $4.4 million that was originally earmarked for purchasing protective gear during the COVID-19 pandemic. This money was allegedly funneled to support his extravagant lifestyle and romantic relationship with Duni Zenaye, the CEO of AstZen Group, according to prosecutors.
Real estate lawyer Bryan McKenna was arraigned on Tuesday, facing serious charges for misappropriating funds from his attorney escrow account. The funds were meant to facilitate a deal between Elkay Plastics and AstZen Group, which was looking to procure 500,000 boxes of medical-grade latex gloves. Elkay had deposited $4.45 million into an escrow account managed by McKenna, trusting him to hold the funds until the gloves were shipped.
However, instead of safeguarding the money, McKenna drained the account by April 2021, just a few months after the funds were deposited. Prosecutors allege that he used the money to enhance his personal life and support his relationship with Zenaye, who has not been charged in connection with this case.
In the summer of 2021, Elkay Plastics began inquiring about the return of its escrow funds. McKenna, however, continued to mislead them about the whereabouts of the money until November 2021, when the truth began to unravel. His actions have raised serious concerns about trust and ethics in the legal profession.
McKenna, who resigned from the New York State Bar in 2023, has pleaded not guilty to the grand larceny charge. This charge is in addition to an existing indictment for allegedly stealing over $260,000 from two clients in Manhattan and Brooklyn. He has been released on electronic monitoring by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Althea Drysdale.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg commented on the case, emphasizing the gravity of McKenna's actions during a time when many were struggling due to the pandemic. “He exploited a company that was trying to help during the height of the pandemic, when prices for PPE were skyrocketing,” Bragg stated.
As the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic approaches, investigations continue to reveal fraudulent activities committed by individuals during this challenging period for New Yorkers. McKenna's attorney, Brian Hutchinson, has not responded to requests for comment, and attempts to reach Zenaye have also been unsuccessful.
McKenna is scheduled to return to court on May 13, where further developments in this high-profile case are anticipated.
