Four women have come forward to The Post with allegations against financier Howard Rubin, describing extreme abuse and a “trophy wall” in what they claim was a torture chamber in his Midtown penthouse.
According to prosecutors, Rubin, a multi-millionaire, lured women—including Playboy models—under the pretense of paid professional photo shoots. The women allege that once inside, he turned violent, inflicting brutal sexual abuse.
“He gets gratification—sexual and otherwise—from cruelty,” one source told The Post. “It isn’t only physical torture; he uses his money, power, and the legal system to control and hurt people. I just want to feel safe again and see everyone responsible held accountable.”
Rubin, whose net worth is in the tens of millions, and his assistant, Jennifer Powers, are accused of running a $1 million bondage and masochism sex-trafficking scheme from 2009 to 2019. While the indictment lists 10 accusers as Jane Does, federal prosecutor Tara McGrath said at Rubin’s arraignment that there are dozens more victims and accomplices not named in court papers.
The women spoke anonymously, citing ongoing fear of retaliation, even though Rubin has been jailed since September 26 and denied bail twice. They described him as an “evil mastermind” who could continue to cause harm even from behind bars.
Prosecutors say Rubin and Powers recruited women through modeling websites and social media, inviting them to dinner in Manhattan before allegedly coercing them into fetish photo shoots. Powers reportedly reassured some women that Rubin was “a perfectly kind gentleman” and that no sexual activity was required, court documents show.
Victims claim that once in Rubin’s penthouse, they saw a “victim wall” displaying framed photos of Playboy models he claimed to have abused. One accuser recalled, “All over the condo when you walk in, the walls are covered with images of models from Playboy. Some of them I looked up to when starting my career. It’s like those were his trophies.”
Inside the $18,000-a-month penthouse at Metropolitan Tower Condominium on 57th Street, women were asked to sign nondisclosure agreements with $500,000 penalties. Rubin allegedly then began abusing the victims, tying them to an X-shaped “St. Andrew’s cross,” drugging, gagging, and beating them. Text messages indicate he planned the attacks and recounted them to Powers, prosecutors allege.
Rubin, once a trader at Solomon Brothers and George Soros’ investment firm, remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on sex-trafficking charges. His former wife, Mary Henry, 74, recently wrote a letter to the court describing him as a “family man” and advocating for his release on a $50 million bail package. Some victims expressed outrage, noting Rubin continued to maintain family life while allegedly terrorizing other women.
Rubin split his time between his family and the women he allegedly abused. Emails from 2015 show him joking about scheduling time with Powers in his marital bed, highlighting a disturbing dual life.
Prosecutors cited Rubin’s alleged attempt to hire a hitman against women who previously sued him as evidence of him being a flight risk, along with his wealth, when arguing against bail. Rubin has pleaded not guilty, while Powers, who now lives in Texas, has also pleaded not guilty and is free on bail after posting an $850,000 bond. Attorneys for both did not respond to The Post’s requests for comment.
“This isn’t just about one man,” one accuser said. “It’s about a system that allows predators to re-offend while survivors try to piece their lives back together. The system didn’t stop him. It allowed him to keep going. I’ve lived in fear for years.”
The women say Rubin’s alleged actions have left long-lasting impacts, including anxiety, isolation, and distrust. “It’s exhausting to always be on alert, never sure what could happen next,” one victim said.