New York, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Howard Rubin, a retired financier, was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges, along with his former assistant, Jennifer Powers. The indictment alleges they trafficked women, including former Playboy models, for sexual abuse from 2009 to 2019, often targeting individuals in vulnerable situations. The arrests took place in Connecticut and Texas, with potential prison sentences ranging from 15 years to life if convicted.
New York
Retired financier arrested on federal sex trafficking charges
Howard Rubin, a 70-year-old retired financier, was arrested on Friday for sex trafficking charges. An indictment unsealed in Brooklyn federal court alleges Rubin trafficked dozens of women, including former Playboy models, for sexual and physical assault in his penthouse. Rubin’s former personal assistant, Jennifer Powers, 45, was also arrested in connection with the case.
Details of the arrests
Rubin was arrested at his rental home in Fairfield, Connecticut, while Powers was arrested at her home in Southlake, Texas. Both arrests were announced following an indictment unsealed in Brooklyn federal court. Rubin’s arraignment was expected to occur on Friday, and Powers is set to appear in court on Monday.
Allegations in the indictment
Prosecutors claim that Rubin and Powers abused women from 2009 to 2019 after recruiting them to travel to New York for sex acts with Rubin for payment. The women targeted often included individuals with financial difficulties, past sexual abuse experiences, or addiction issues. Once in New York, these women were encouraged to use drugs or alcohol before sexual encounters with Rubin.
Some women reportedly suffered injuries requiring medical treatment, including significant pain, bruises, and psychological trauma. The indictment details Rubin’s alleged participation in sex acts that extended beyond the women’s consent, with incidents leading to severe injuries. The defendants allegedly used their wealth to mislead and recruit women, leading to numerous instances of abuse, fear, and psychological trauma.
Locations, facilities and alleged practices
Before 2011, these acts typically occurred in luxury hotels in Manhattan, but from 2011 to 2017, most occurred in the Central Park penthouse. Rubin’s penthouse in New York City contained a soundproof room referred to in court as The Dungeon. Court papers detail that The Dungeon was equipped with BDSM instruments and included devices meant to shock or electrocute the women.
Powers was accused of maintaining the dungeon, cleaning, and stocking equipment while managing travel arrangements for the women. Women had to sign non-disclosure agreements to engage in encounters, claiming they were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when signing.
Financial ties, prior litigation and other allegations
Rubin and Powers allegedly spent over $1 million of Rubin’s money recruiting women for commercial sex acts that involved BDSM practices. Rubin financially supported Powers and her family’s lifestyle, covering her Manhattan apartment rent, her children’s private school tuition, and a Texas home mortgage. Powers is also charged with bank fraud related to misrepresentations made while securing financing for her mortgage.
Rubin and Powers faced a previous civil suit for sex trafficking filed in 2017, but they were found not liable by a jury, with the case currently under appeal. Prosecutors labeled Rubin a flight risk due to his wealth and discussed his attempts to hire a hitman against individuals who filed civil suits against him. Rubin was found with multiple cell phones when arrested and withheld information regarding his passport’s location.
Potential penalties and next steps
If convicted of the current charges, both face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison. The indictment and federal proceedings in Brooklyn will determine pretrial conditions and future hearings.
Background on Rubin
Rubin had previously gained notoriety for unauthorized trading that resulted in significant losses for his former firm. The federal indictment presents a separate and more serious set of criminal allegations that carry substantial prison exposure if proven.
What prosecutors allege about the conduct
The indictment alleges significant violence, including instances where women were unable to object due to being incapacitated or bound during acts. The indictment details that The Dungeon included devices meant to shock or electrocute the women.
FAQ
Who was arrested?
Howard Rubin, a 70-year-old retired financier, was arrested on Friday for sex trafficking charges.
Who else was arrested?
Rubin’s former personal assistant, Jennifer Powers, 45, was also arrested in connection to the case.
Where were the arrests made?
Rubin was arrested at his rental home in Fairfield, Connecticut, while Powers was arrested at her home in Southlake, Texas.
What locations were involved in the alleged crimes?
Before 2011, these acts typically occurred in luxury hotels in Manhattan, but from 2011 to 2017, most occurred in the Central Park penthouse.
What is The Dungeon?
Rubin’s penthouse in New York City contained a soundproof room referred to in court as “The Dungeon.”
What are the possible penalties?
If convicted of the current charges, both face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.
Key facts at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Howard Rubin, a 70-year-old retired financier |
| Co-defendant | Jennifer Powers, 45 |
| Charges | Sex trafficking charges; Powers also charged with bank fraud |
| Arrest locations | Rubin in Fairfield, Connecticut; Powers in Southlake, Texas |
| Primary crime location | Rubin’s penthouse in New York City, including The Dungeon |
| Alleged timeframe | 2009 to 2019 |
| Financial allegations | Over $1 million spent recruiting women for commercial sex acts |
| Potential sentence | Mandatory minimum of 15 years; maximum of life in prison |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charitable Organizations in North Texas Report Major Funding Losses
Truck Driver Sentenced for Kidnapping and Murder in Texas
Texas House Unanimously Bans NDAs in Sexual Assault Cases
Additional Resources
- CNBC
- Wikipedia: Sex trafficking
- The Guardian
- Google Search: Howard Rubin sex trafficking
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sex trafficking
- WFAA
- UPI
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
