A woman from Texas, accused of trafficking women for her ex-boss, has had her teaching certification suspended temporarily. This news follows reports from September about a high-profile Wall Street investor, linked to George Soros, who allegedly tortured women in secret BDSM “dungeons.”
According to authorities, the investor, Howard Rubin, faced charges for his activities. The FBI nabbed him, along with his assistant, Jennifer Powers, during arrests on September 26 in their respective homes. Rubin, 70, was taken into custody in Fairfield, Connecticut, while 46-year-old Powers was arrested in Southlake, Texas.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York detailed the situation in an announcement, stating that both individuals are charged with sex trafficking and transporting women for sex acts across state lines.
Rubin, who was previously a notable money manager at several major firms, also faces charges of bank fraud in regards to his dealings involving Powers’ Texas home mortgage.
If found guilty of sex trafficking, both Rubin and Powers could receive life sentences or at least 15 years in prison. The charges related to transporting women for commercial sex acts carry a possible sentence of up to 10 years, and a conviction for bank fraud could lead to 30 years behind bars.
The pair has pleaded not guilty to all accusations.
Powers became Rubin’s assistant around 2011 and is alleged to have managed the daily operations of the sex trafficking scheme, as informed by federal authorities.
Accusations suggest that the abusive incidents took place between 2009 and 2019, during which they purportedly recruited multiple women to engage in BDSM acts in New York City, with at least some women subjected to trafficking.
Reports indicate that Rubin seduced numerous women, including former Playboy models, and he allegedly assaulted them during sessions in a soundproof room at his Central Park penthouse, described in court filings as a “dungeon.”
The encounters allegedly occurred at various locations, including luxury hotels and Rubin’s converted penthouse bedroom, which was equipped with BDSM gear and devices designed to shock women.
In many of these situations, authorities noted, Rubin inflicted physical brutality that left women fearful for their safety, resulting in pain or injury.
Authorities further claimed that Powers and Rubin compelled the women to sign non-disclosure agreements, which included clauses to assume risks related to the BDSM interactions and penalties for any breaches.
Special Agent Harry Chavis emphasized that Powers played a significant role in these alleged crimes, describing the situation as “not a one-man show.”
Powers’ teaching certification has been put on hold, according to records from the Texas Education Agency, as she had served as a long-term substitute at Old Union Elementary School in Southlake.
A spokesperson from the agency confirmed that the educator certification board is required to suspend the certification temporarily following such arrests. They added that a hearing regarding the suspension must take place within a couple of months after the case concludes.
Previously, the Carroll Independent School District confirmed Powers’ termination from her teaching position.
The district’s Board of Trustees Chairman stated they had adhered to all applicable hiring protocols, including thorough background checks.
Powers’ legal representation has not yet provided comments on the situation.
