NYC Lawyer Sentenced for Stealing $4.4M in COVID Relief Funds to Finance Romantic Relationship
A disgraced Manhattan real estate attorney has been sentenced to state prison after admitting to stealing $4.4 million intended for COVID-19 protective equipment, which he used to fund a romantic relationship with his then-CEO girlfriend. Bryan McKenna, 62, broke down in tears during his sentencing hearing before Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Althea Drysdale, expressing deep shame for his actions.
Emotional Courtroom Scene as Attorney Receives Sentence
During the emotional proceedings, McKenna wiped tears from his eyes with tissue while telling the court, "I'm just ashamed of myself. I tried to lead a good life." His defense attorney, Eric Franz, argued that McKenna had faced significant financial struggles and was primarily focused on helping his family, particularly a son dealing with mental health challenges.
"His focus was on, 'I need to help my son,'" Franz told Judge Drysdale, explaining that his client was desperate to secure medical appointments and proper medication for his struggling child.
Details of the Multi-Million Dollar Scheme
According to court documents and prosecutors, the scheme unfolded when Elkay Plastics, a packaging manufacturer and distributor, contacted AstZen Group—a business consulting firm led by CEO Duni Zenaye—to purchase 500,000 boxes of medical-grade latex gloves for pandemic protection. The company placed $4.45 million into an escrow account managed by McKenna in January 2021, with the understanding that the funds would be held until AstZen Group shipped the gloves.
However, by April 2021, McKenna had completely drained the escrow account, according to the indictment against him. Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Borle alleged that the attorney siphoned the millions to spend on himself and to further his romantic relationship with Zenaye, who was not charged in the case.
Additional Theft and Failed Opportunities for Restitution
Prosecutors revealed that McKenna was given an opportunity to return the stolen funds during the summer of 2021 but continued to lie about the money's whereabouts until November of that year. In a separate indictment, McKenna also admitted to stealing more than $260,000 from two additional clients in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The attorney, who resigned from the New York State Bar Association in 2023, ultimately received a sentence of two to six years in state prison from Judge Drysdale.
Official Statements Condemning the Betrayal of Trust
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg issued a strong statement following the sentencing, emphasizing the breach of trust involved in McKenna's crimes. "From real estate clients to a company purchasing hard-to-find medical gloves during the pandemic, Bryan McKenna repeatedly drained the accounts of those who looked to him for legal representation," Bragg declared.
The case highlights how pandemic relief funds became targets for fraud during the COVID-19 crisis, with this particular scheme diverting resources meant for essential protective equipment to personal and romantic pursuits.
