Wall Street Star Ran a Sadistic Sex Ring in NYC Penthouse, Feds Say
The case of Howard Rubin, a retired New York financier now facing serious federal sex-trafficking charges, has taken a dramatic turn as his estranged wife steps forward to plead for his release on a $50 million bond. Mary Henry paints a picture of Rubin as a devoted family man — a grandfather who cherishes time with his grandchildren and remains deeply connected to his family. Yet, federal prosecutors argue that the gravity of the allegations and Rubin's potential flight risk justify keeping him behind bars without bail.
A Family Man in the Eye of a Storm
Howard Rubin, 70, once a high-profile trader with ties to Solomon Brothers and George Soros' investment firm, was arrested in late September and charged with orchestrating a sex-trafficking operation that allegedly spanned a decade. The indictment accuses Rubin of luring "dozens" of women to New York City, where they were subjected to brutal and sadistic treatment in a Midtown penthouse converted into a so-called sex "dungeon," as reported by the New York Post.
Despite these shocking allegations, Mary Henry, Rubin's estranged wife, insists that the man she knows is far from the depraved figure prosecutors describe. In a heartfelt letter to the court, she emphasized Rubin's role as "a caring father, a loving son-in-law, and devoted grandfather known affectionately as 'Pops,'" as reported by the New York Post. She highlighted his commitment to family, noting that he has always placed them at the "center of his life" and that "they remain his greatest source of strength."
Henry and Rubin, though divorced since 2021, continue to co-parent their three adult children and share responsibilities for their grandchildren. She has even reportedly offered her Connecticut home, with $1.6 million in equity, as collateral to secure Rubin's release, a gesture underscoring her belief in his character and her hope that he can remain present in the family's life while awaiting trial.
The Charges and the Government's Stance
The federal indictment, unsealed in Brooklyn, details a disturbing decade-long operation involving Rubin and his former personal assistant, Jennifer Powers. The charges include sex trafficking and transporting women across state lines for commercial sex acts, with Rubin allegedly using "force, fraud, and coercion" to exploit women in luxury hotels and his Manhattan penthouse, according to the United States Attorney's Office. The penthouse reportedly featured a "soundproof sex room filled with BDSM equipment, including a device used to shock the women."
According to the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella Jr., Rubin and Powers allegedly spent at least $1 million to finance this commercial sexual torture network. The indictment also accuses Powers of managing the day-to-day logistics, including arranging flights for the women and transporting them to the penthouse. The women were reportedly required to sign non-disclosure agreements that sought to silence them through threats of legal action and public shaming.
Federal prosecutors argue that Rubin poses a significant danger to the community and is a flight risk, justifying his continued detention without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His arrest was met with "relief" by at least one accuser, who expressed gratitude that he was held without bail, as reported by the New York Post.
The Legal Battle Over Bail
Rubin's defense team has reportedly proposed a $50 million bond, secured by properties owned by his wife and brother in Connecticut, to ensure his appearance in court. They emphasize his ties to the community, including his active role in his grandchildren's lives — taking them to weekly swimming and dance lessons and building relationships with instructors and other families, as reported by the New York Post.
The court is set to hold a status conference and a separate hearing to consider the bail proposal. Meanwhile, Jennifer Powers, Rubin's co-defendant, has been released on a personal recognizance bond and is also due in court, as reported by the New York Post.
Balancing Allegations and Personal Testimony
This case presents a stark contrast between the personal testimony of a family member and the serious allegations brought by federal authorities. Mary Henry's plea humanizes Rubin, portraying him as a man whose family remains his priority despite the charges. Her willingness to stake significant financial assets on his bail underscores her conviction in his character.
Yet, the indictment and statements from law enforcement paint a grim picture of a man allegedly involved in a calculated and cruel trafficking operation. The government's position reflects a broader commitment to holding accountable those accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals, especially in cases involving human trafficking and sexual abuse.
What's Next?
As Rubin awaits further court proceedings, the legal battle over his bail will likely hinge on whether the court finds the proposed $50 million bond sufficient to mitigate concerns about flight risk and community safety. The outcome will not only affect Rubin's immediate freedom but also set the tone for how the justice system balances the presumption of innocence with the severity of the charges in high-profile sex-trafficking cases.
For now, the story remains a complex intersection of family loyalty, alleged criminal conduct, and the pursuit of justice. You can expect the courtroom drama to unfold in the coming weeks, as both sides present their cases and the community watches closely.
References: Wife of accused sex trafficker Howard Rubin claims he's family man who should be freed on $50M bond | Eastern District of New York | Retired New York Financier and his Personal Assistant Charged with Sex Trafficking and Transporting Women to Engage in Commercial Sex Acts | United States Department of Justice
