Fairfield Man Accused Of Sex Trafficking For Violent BDSM Encounters: Feds

FAIRFIELD, CT — A 68-year-old Fairfield man, who prosecutors called a retired New York financier, was charged Friday in a federal indictment alleging sex trafficking and related crimes tied to a decade-long scheme alleged to involve transporting women across state lines for violent sexual encounters.

Howard Rubin, also known as "Howie" and "H," and his longtime assistant, Jennifer Powers, 45, of Texas, were named in a 10-count indictment unsealed in Brooklyn federal court. Rubin also faces a bank fraud charge stemming from what prosecutors said were false statements he made to secure financing for Powers’ Texas home.

Rubin was arrested Friday morning in Fairfield by members of the New York Office of the FBI, assisted by Fairfield police. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo in Brooklyn. Powers was arrested in Texas and is expected to make an initial appearance Monday in federal court there before being transferred to the Eastern District of New York.

According to prosecutors, Rubin and Powers used Rubin’s wealth and status to lure women to New York between 2009 and 2019 for commercial sex acts involving bondage and sadomasochism. The alleged encounters initially took place at luxury hotels and later at Rubin’s Manhattan penthouse, which authorities say contained a soundproof "sex dungeon" equipped with BDSM devices.

Federal authorities allege that Rubin inflicted injuries on women beyond what they had consented to and that Powers arranged travel, payments and other logistics for the operation. Some women were required to sign nondisclosure agreements that prosecutors say Rubin later used to threaten legal action or public exposure.

The indictment also accuses Rubin of bank fraud for allegedly misrepresenting his involvement in civil litigation to obtain a mortgage for Powers’ home.

"As alleged, the defendants used Rubin’s wealth to mislead and recruit women to engage in commercial sex acts, where Rubin then tortured women beyond their consent, causing lasting physical and/or psychological pain, and in some cases physical injuries," said United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. in a statement. "Today’s arrests show that no one who engages in sex trafficking, in this case in luxury hotels and a penthouse apartment that featured a so-called sex 'dungeon,' is above the law, and that they will be brought to justice. Human beings are not chattel to be exploited for sex and sadistically abused, and anyone who thinks otherwise can expect to find themselves in handcuffs and facing federal prosecution like these defendants."

Added FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia, "For many years, Howard Rubin and Jennifer Powers allegedly spent at least one million dollars to finance the commercial sexual torture of multiple women via a national trafficking network. The defendants allegedly exploited Rubin’s status to ensnare their prospective victims and forced them to endure unthinkable physical trauma before silencing any outcries with threats of legal recourse. The FBI will continue to apprehend any trafficker who sexually abuses others for twisted gratification."

"It’s alleged Rubin directed a sex trafficking enterprise, exploiting women who were transported from across the country to his Manhattan penthouse that was equipped with a soundproof sex room filled with BDSM equipment, including a device used to shock the women," said Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation Harry T. Chavis Jr. "This was not a one-man show. While Rubin dehumanized these women with abhorrent sexual acts, Powers is alleged to have run the day-to-day operations of the enterprise and got paid generously for her efforts. IRS-CI and FBI partnered to see fit that all the facts are detailed in this case and ensure that this pair realizes the full consequences of their ghastly behaviors."

Rubin, once a high-profile Wall Street trader, retired from finance several years ago. Powers began working as his assistant around 2011.

Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, Nocella said. If convicted of sex trafficking, they each face a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. Rubin faces up to 30 years on the bank fraud charge.

The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Authorities urged anyone who believes they were victimized to contact the FBI at fbi.gov/HowardRubinVictims, HowardRubinVictims@FBI.gov or 212-384-3600.