Couple arraigned in preschool scam case

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