Former NYC Lawyer Bryan McKenna Weeps in Manhattan Supreme Court While Facing Six Years for Diverting Pandemic PPE Funds for Private Romance

Bryan McKenna, a former New York City real estate attorney, was visibly emotional on Tuesday as he faced sentencing for a massive fraud scheme that prosecutors say drained millions from pandemic-related funds to support a personal relationship.

The 62-year-old lawyer sobbed in the Manhattan Supreme Court, apologizing for his actions and acknowledging the gravity of his crimes.

“I am ashamed of myself. I tried to lead a good life,” McKenna told the judge, adding, “I did these crimes. I deserve to go to jail. I don’t know what else to say for myself.”

How the Scheme Unfolded

The fraudulent activities began in early 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elkay Plastics, a packaging manufacturer, contracted AstZen Group to purchase 500,000 boxes of latex gloves.

To facilitate the transaction, Elkay Plastics deposited $4.45 million into an escrow account managed by McKenna, a common legal arrangement meant to keep funds secure until goods or services are delivered.

By April 2021, however, the funds had been entirely drained, and the promised PPE shipment never arrived.

According to prosecutors, McKenna redirected the money to enhance his personal life and support a romantic relationship with Duni Zenaye, then CEO of AstZen Group.

Defense Claims Personal Struggles

McKenna’s defense attorney, Eric Franz, painted a different picture in court, claiming the attorney was facing severe financial pressures and was desperate to help his son access necessary mental health care.

Franz argued, “His focus was on, ‘I need to help my son,’” emphasizing McKenna’s attempts to secure doctor appointments and medication for his child.

Prosecutors rejected this explanation, asserting that McKenna’s actions primarily benefited his personal life and his relationship with Zenaye, who was not charged.

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They further noted that even when given the chance to return the stolen money in the summer of 2021, McKenna continued to mislead parties about its whereabouts until November of that year.

A Pattern of Deception

The PPE-related fraud was not McKenna’s only misconduct.

Court records revealed that he had previously siphoned over $260,000 from clients in separate real estate transactions.

In 2021, McKenna mishandled proceeds from a Manhattan condo sale.

Although he paid the client a portion of the funds and a small correction for tax liability, he kept $160,000 for himself rather than fulfilling his client’s instructions or remitting the money to the IRS.

In 2023, during another real estate transaction involving a Brooklyn townhouse, McKenna again diverted $109,000 into his own account after paying off mortgages as instructed.

By December 2023, McKenna resigned from the New York State Bar, shortly before being indicted in September 2024.

McKenna’s Double Life

Outside of his legal work, McKenna maintained a surprising dual existence as a stand-up comedian, performing at venues like The Comic Strip in Manhattan.

During the pandemic, he shared comedy sketches and family moments online, a stark contrast to his illicit financial activities.

Impact and Consequences

McKenna faces a sentence of up to six years in prison for one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the broader implications, stating that his office treats fraud targeting New Yorkers with utmost seriousness.

“From real estate clients to companies purchasing hard-to-find medical gloves, Bryan McKenna repeatedly drained the accounts of those who trusted him,” Bragg noted.

What’s Next?

McKenna’s sentencing marks the conclusion of a high-profile case exposing a combination of personal failings and professional misconduct.

The DA’s office continues to monitor related investigations, ensuring accountability and potential restitution for victims of his schemes.

Summary

Bryan McKenna, a former NYC attorney, pleaded guilty to defrauding millions from both PPE purchases and real estate clients.

Prosecutors say the money funded a romantic relationship with a company CEO, while the defense claimed he acted out of familial necessity.

McKenna broke down in court as he received a prison sentence of up to six years.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Former NYC attorney Bryan McKenna stole $4.4 million from pandemic PPE funds.
• Prosecutors claim money fueled his romance with AstZen Group CEO Duni Zenaye.
• Defense argued he diverted funds to cover his son’s mental health care.
• McKenna previously siphoned over $260,000 from real estate clients.
• He maintained a side career as a stand-up comedian during the pandemic.
• McKenna faces up to six years behind bars.