If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or trafficking, taking the first step toward healing can feel overwhelming. Reaching out for support or justice is a profoundly personal choice and it is important to know that safe, confidential help is available whenever you are ready.
The following resources provide compassionate, judgment-free assistance to survivors, their loved ones, and anyone seeking guidance:
Safe Horizon
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
If you believe you have been victimized by or have information about Howard Rubin or Jennifer Powers, you may contact the FBI at fbi.gov/HowardRubinVictims, [email protected] or 212-384-3600.
A recently unsealed federal indictment in Brooklyn reveals serious charges against retired New York financier Howard Rubin—known by aliases “Howie” and “H.” Rubin, along with his personal assistant Jennifer Powers, faces a 10-count indictment that includes sex trafficking and transporting women across state lines for sexual exploitation. In addition to these disturbing allegations, Rubin has also been charged with bank fraud tied to false statements made to secure financing for Powers’s Texas residence.
In a Press Release from the U.S. Attorney’s office of the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney stated,
“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. 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.”
Survivors have the right to pursue justice via a lawsuit filed in civil courts. Civil litigation provides a pathway to hold abusers, and those who enabled them, accountable while seeking compensation for the profound harm caused by sexual abuse and trafficking.
Senior Partner Thomas Giuffra, a staunch and internationally recognized advocate for victims of high-profile sexual abuse cases, encourages those harmed by the predatory conduct of Howard Rubin and his associates to consider filing a civil case. Under Thomas’ leadership, our firm has built a reputation for fearlessly and skillfully representing survivors against powerful individuals and institutions.
Our firm has successfully represented survivors in cases involving Harvey Weinstein, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, numerous medical professionals, and the Catholic Church, securing substantial awards and meaningful justice for our clients.
Currently, Attorney Giuffra and our team are actively investigating lawsuits on behalf of individuals trafficked by Howard Rubin and his associates, as well as any other enabling party.
We proudly serve survivors with respect, dignity and honor by investing significant resources into every case, ensuring that each client receives individualized representation that is trauma-informed, compassionate, and highly professional.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has announced a 10-count federal indictment against retired New York financier Howard Rubin and his personal assistant, Jennifer Powers.
According to the indictment, Rubin and Powers orchestrated a trafficking operation that lured women from across the country to luxury hotels and a Manhattan penthouse apartment, where Rubin subjected them to violent and non-consensual abuse. The apartment allegedly contained a soundproof sex “dungeon” outfitted with BDSM equipment and devices, including one designed to shock or electrocute women.
The indictment alleges that:
If convicted, Rubin and Powers face severe federal penalties. Rubin faces up to life imprisonment for sex trafficking and up to 30 years for bank fraud.
At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, we represent survivors of sex trafficking and sexual abuse in high-profile civil cases. Even if Rubin is not convicted in criminal court, survivors have the right to file a civil lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.
Led by Attorney Thomas P. Giuffra, our team has successfully litigated against powerful figures and institutions—including Harvey Weinstein, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, numerous medical professionals, and many others who abuse their power and wealth. We work tirelessly to build strong, individualized cases that prioritize our clients’ healing, recovery, and pursuit of justice.
Civil lawsuits can seek financial restitution for medical expenses, therapy, lost income, and pain and suffering. They also serve to hold abusers—and those who enabled them—accountable in a way the criminal system alone cannot.
Contact our legal team today for a free and confidential consultation.
Criminal prosecutions, such as the federal indictment against Rubin, are focused on punishing offenders and protecting the public. However, they do not compensate survivors for the life-altering harm they have endured.
Civil lawsuits, on the other hand, empower survivors to seek financial compensation and accountability.
Importantly:
In New York State, the statute of limitations for civil sex trafficking claims has been a focal point of recent legislative efforts. Historically, survivors faced a five-year statute of limitations to initiate civil actions against their traffickers.
If you are uncertain whether your case qualifies, our attorneys can review the details confidentially and provide clear guidance.
Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. All consultations are free and confidential.
While class actions may be filed in connection with high-profile, pervasive sexual abuse cases, our firm strongly emphasizes the value of individual representation. Every survivor’s experience is unique, and individualized cases allow us to fully present the distinct harm and damages suffered.
By focusing on each client, Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP ensures survivors’ voices are not lost in the process of group litigation.
