Queens Defenders atty arrested for alleged smuggling amid org’s turmoil
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An attorney with the Queens Defenders was busted for allegedly trying to smuggle contraband onto Rikers Island. Photo via Correction Officers Benevolent Association
By Ryan Schwach
An attorney with the controversy-embroiled Queens Defenders was busted for allegedly trying to smuggle THC-soaked paper into a Rikers Island facility on Wednesday.
Attorney Bernardo Caceres was arrested on charges of introducing contraband into the detention facility.
While visiting a client suspected of burglary, Caceres allegedly tried to bring over 130 documents that were soaked with THC into the facility on June 11.
The Correction Officers Benevolent Association said that a K-9 dog alerted its handler of the contraband. COBA announced the arrest, which was confirmed by the Department of Correction.
"We applaud the members of our K9 Unit who were able to prevent this contraband from coming into the jails,” a DOC spokesperson said. “Our staff work day-and-night to keep our facilities and the people in our care safe. Anyone who is caught bringing contraband into our jails will face serious consequences."
Caceres entered Rikers with another attorney, who is believed to be unaware of their colleague’s alleged smuggling attempt and was not arrested.
According to Linkedin, Caceres has worked with Queens Defenders for close to five years.
The Queens-based defense organization is currently surrounded in controversy after its longtime executive director, Lori Zeno, and her husband, Rashad Ruhani, who also worked for the nonprofit, were charged in federal court for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the organization.
Federal prosecutors said in an indictment that Zeno and Ruhani used a credit card issued to the organization to fund a luxury vacation to Bali, a teeth-whitening procedure, a night at a high-end steakhouse and other personal purchases.
As of Friday afternoon, Zeno was not yet in custody.
Queens Defenders declined to comment on Caceres’ arrest.
