A New York City couple is accused of skimming $2.5 million in federal funds that were supposed to have paid for meals for preschool students.

Federal prosecutors say Ziming Shen and Joanna Fan, of Staten Island, diverted money from a chain of preschools they owned to their private business interests, and also to make mortgage payments on several condominiums.

They were arraigned before a federal magistrate in Brooklyn on Friday and released after each posted $750,000 bail.

Their lawyer, Barry Agulnick, told reporters the couple would defend themselves vigorously.

The couple operate the Red Apple Child Development Center, which has six schools across the city.

After his court appearance, Shen was arrested again when he allegedly kicked at news photographers outside the courthouse.

-- AP

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail. Credit: Anthony Florio; File Footage; Photo Credit: Newsday / James Carbone, John Paraskevas; AP / David Bookstaver, Clark County Sheriff's Office, Richard Drew, Mitchell Tapper, Don Ryan; Peconic River Sportsman’s Club / Kerry Goldberg

'He will be ... coming out of prison in a body bag' Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail. Credit: Anthony Florio; File Footage; Photo Credit: Newsday / James Carbone, John Paraskevas; AP / David Bookstaver, Clark County Sheriff's Office, Richard Drew, Mitchell Tapper, Don Ryan; Peconic River Sportsman’s Club / Kerry Goldberg

'He will be ... coming out of prison in a body bag' Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail.

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