A former victim of retired financier Howard Rubin, a well-known figure in New York’s financial scene, is speaking out after his arrest on charges related to sex trafficking. Rubin, who reportedly turned a Midtown penthouse into a BDSM “sex dungeon,” is accused of having “tortured” former Playboy models among other women. Upon learning of his arrest, the victim described the lengthy wait for justice as a “complete nightmare.”
Rubin, who had a lengthy career at George Soros’ investment firm, allegedly enticed “dozens” of women to New York City between 2009 and 2019. The allegations, disclosed by the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s Office, suggest he restrained, beat, and electrocuted his victims.
One accuser, who chose to remain anonymous and appears to be the first to publicly comment on Rubin’s arrest, expressed relief, stating, “Relief. Relief. After eight years, finally a breath of relief.”
“It’s just been a complete nightmare. I’m relieved that justice is finally being acknowledged,” she added. When informed that Rubin, aged 70, was being held without bail, her reaction was, “Oh my god, thank God.”
Rubin, often referred to as “Howie” or “H,” is reported to be worth tens of millions of dollars and is accused of using drugs to incapacitate his victims, allowing him to carry out acts of sexual torture without their consent.
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos, and more.
Thanks for signing up!
Text messages exchanged between Rubin and his assistant, who is also facing charges, reveal disturbing details, including conversations about electrocuting a restrained woman. In one message, Rubin supposedly mentioned, “I don’t care if she screams,” accompanied by a laughing emoji, according to federal prosecutors.
Allegations against Rubin first emerged in 2017 when he faced a civil lawsuit filed by three women from Florida who accused him of violent sexual assault. Attorneys representing several victims noted the lengthy struggle faced by those seeking justice.
Attorney John Balestriere, who has represented victims from Florida and New York City, commented, “My colleagues and I investigated Mr. Rubin and Ms. Powers for seven years regarding their sex trafficking claims. We are pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office found our information instrumental.”
Among the victims listed in the indictment are two former Playboy Playmates, including Amy Moore, and a model and dancer named Stephanie Caldwell. Emma Hopper, another alleged victim, was a model and student from Atlanta involved in civil litigation against Rubin and Powers.
There’s uncertainty surrounding the timing of federal charges, and some victims are questioning why justice was delayed, especially when other similar high-profile cases were swiftly addressed.
One victim remarked, “We see how swiftly the cases against figures like Epstein and Diddy progressed while we waited for resolution. Other people are receiving justice, but why not us?.” She mentioned that the FBI indicated their arrest was postponed until after the civil trial, as they might leverage Rubin’s testimony against him.
While a jury ruled Rubin liable during a 2022 civil trial, Powers was cleared of any wrongdoing and her case is currently pending appeal.
Prosecutors allege that Rubin, who has entered a not guilty plea and remains in custody without bail, confessed to transporting women across state lines and compensating them with as much as $5,000 for sex.
Authorities estimate that “dozens” of additional women may have been involved in facilitating these acts, with claims that at least ten individuals aided in the horrific schemes.
