Howard Rubin, a retired U.S. financier, was arrested on charges of sex trafficking on Friday. He faces allegations of trafficking multiple women, including former Playboy models, for sexual and physical assault in a soundproofed room in his New York City penthouse, referred to in court documents as “The Dungeon.”
The arrest of Rubin and his former assistant, Jennifer Powers, occurred following the unsealing of an indictment in federal court in Brooklyn. Authorities reported that Rubin was apprehended at his rented residence in Fairfield, Connecticut, while Powers was taken into custody at her home in Southlake, Texas. An arraignment for Rubin was anticipated later that day.
Rubin’s career spanned three decades at notable financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns, and Soros Fund Management. Prosecutors allege that Rubin and Powers abused women between 2009 and 2019 after recruiting them to travel to New York for compensated sexual acts. They targeted individuals in vulnerable situations, including those with prior abuse histories or financial difficulties. Reports indicate that once in New York, these women were encouraged to use drugs or alcohol in preparation for the encounters, sometimes leading to situations beyond their explicit consent.
The legal documents detail incidents where women experienced significant physical pain and psychological trauma, with some requiring medical treatment. Over $1 million of Rubin’s funds were reportedly spent on recruiting and facilitating these encounters, which included elements of bondage and sadomasochism. Initially, such acts occurred in luxury hotels, but later moved to a two-bedroom penthouse near Central Park, equipped with bondage instruments.
Powers is alleged to have maintained and prepared the designated room for use, while also managing various logistical aspects, including the recruitment of women. The women were required to sign non-disclosure agreements, asserting they were not under the influence of substances. Since 2012, Rubin has reportedly funded many of Powers’ living expenses, including rent and education costs.
The pair faced a civil lawsuit for sex trafficking in November 2017, but a jury found them not liable, though the case is currently under appeal. Should they be convicted of the current charges, both face a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/26/howard-rubin-arrested-sex-trafficking-charges