Manhattan Penthouse Turned Alleged Sex Dungeon in Sex-Trafficking Scheme

Near his family residence in Manhattan, Howard Rubin maintained a luxurious second apartment—an $18,000-a-month penthouse at Metropolitan Tower on West 57th Street, offering prime views of Central Park. However, court documents reveal that Rubin allegedly transformed this space into a sinister sex dungeon, where he is accused of torturing women through brutal beatings, rapes, and electroshocks.

Rubin, a former Wall Street executive with ties to George Soros, and his assistant Jennifer Powers face charges of operating a $1 million sex-trafficking ring from 2009 to 2019. The apartment was reportedly soundproofed and equipped with BDSM devices such as an X-shaped cross, restraints, whips, masks, ropes, chains, and metal hooks. Victims claim they were lured under false pretenses, intoxicated with drugs or alcohol, then subjected to violent abuse in the hidden chambers.

One victim described being restrained to the cross and whipped, while court records note the presence of bondage gear and sadistic implements inside the locked room. Prosecutors state that Rubin once reportedly said, “She’s the baby, and Howie is the daddy. The daddy has to beat his baby,” highlighting the disturbing atmosphere within the space.

Inside the apartment, documents detail items such as sex toys, masks with zippers, ropes, chains, and a cattle prod. Powers allegedly contributed to constructing the dungeon, including placing chains on devices like the infamous cross, to facilitate rapid restraint and abuse.

Concrete evidence includes an email in which Powers describes attaching chains and cuffs to points on the equipment, indicating premeditation. Victims, often vulnerable or intoxicated, faced severe physical violence, sometimes including being beaten and whipped, with some claiming they were drugged or given Valium for compliance.

Rubin, previously involved with George Soros’ firm, denies all charges and is held without bail. Powers, residing in Texas, is also free on bail after posting $850,000. Court proceedings are ongoing, and both face multiple criminal and civil allegations related to this disturbing case.