Howard Rubin Arrested: Sex Trafficking Charges Revealed

Howard Rubin arrested for sex trafficking; prosecutors allege abuse, luxury ‘sex dungeon,’ and threats in a decade-long criminal case.

Howard Rubin, the former Wall Street money manager, faces arrest alongside his ex-assistant Jennifer Powers for serious sex trafficking crimes. Federal prosecutors claim the duo ran a network that transported women across state lines for commercial sex acts over a decade.

Alleged Abuse and “Sex Dungeon”

Rubin, 70, allegedly abused women in luxury hotels and in a Manhattan penthouse, described as a “sex dungeon.” Authorities report that the apartment contained BDSM devices, soundproofing, and equipment designed to harm women.

Moreover, prosecutors say Rubin’s acts caused severe physical and psychological injuries, forcing some women to seek medical attention.

Detention and Legal Proceedings

A federal judge ordered Rubin to remain in custody without bail, noting he posed a flight risk and had previously threatened to hire a hitman against women who sued him. Rubin pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 15 years.

Jennifer Powers, 45, also faces charges. Prosecutors allege she recruited women, managed finances, and spent at least $1 million of Rubin’s money to operate the trafficking network. In addition, Powers faces separate bank fraud charges.

Civil Suits and Past Controversies

Rubin gained notoriety in 1987 for unauthorized trading at Merrill Lynch, which caused massive financial losses. In 2017, models sued him for abuse. A 2022 civil jury found Rubin liable for trafficking six women and ordered him to pay $3.85 million in damages. He is currently appealing this civil judgment.

Prosecutors Highlight Danger and Wealth

Authorities emphasize Rubin’s extraordinary wealth, including $74 million in a Cayman Islands account, and prior attempts at witness intimidation. At arrest, Rubin had multiple phones and did not surrender his passport.

Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella stated, “Human beings are not to be exploited or abused. Anyone who violates this law will face federal prosecution.”

Next Steps in the Case

Rubin will appear in court again on October 20, while Powers will face court proceedings in Texas next week. Meanwhile, prosecutors continue investigating additional individuals who may have assisted in the trafficking network.