WASHINGTON — A once-prominent LGBTQ activist was in court Tuesday to request a new court-appointed attorney after her current lawyer withdrew from her case. Ruby Corado faces up to 30 years in prison for federal wire fraud charges.

A judge agreed to grant Corado time to hire her on private attorney. However, she has been taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal Service. Her next hearing is now scheduled for Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.

Corado, the founder of a once-strong non-profit aimed at helping the LGBTQ community in D.C., was arrested in March 2024 after fleeing the country nearly two years prior. Prosecutors said Corado received more than $1.3 million in COVID-relief funds for her nonprofit, Casa Ruby, and diverted at least $150,000 for personal use in El Salvador.

Corado has disputed the

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