Assistant to Howard Rubin pleads not guilty to charges of trafficking women to a violent sex trafficking operation.

In a significant federal case unfolding in Brooklyn, Jennifer Powers, the personal assistant to multimillionaire financier Howard Rubin, has entered a plea of not guilty to serious charges involving sex trafficking and tax fraud. Powers, 45, is accused of playing a critical role in a disturbing scheme orchestrated by Rubin, who is alleged to have exploited numerous women at his Midtown Manhattan penthouse, described by authorities as a “sex dungeon.”

During a court appearance on Wednesday, Powers had her bail set at 0,000, a significant increase from her previous personal recognizance bond. This new bond was secured through her parents, Larry and Maria Teresa McGuffin, who offered their Texas home and a portion of their business stake as collateral. As part of her release conditions, Powers is mandated to remain on home detention and is prohibited from contacting Rubin or any of the alleged victims involved in the case.

The allegations against Powers are particularly grave. Federal prosecutors assert that she actively recruited and compensated women to attend the purported sex dungeon, which reportedly includes brutal elements such as a “bondage cross” used to restrain victims. The court documents reveal that Powers allegedly contributed to an environment where psychological and sexual abuse occurred, turning a blind eye to the suffering of the women involved while making excuses for Rubin’s behavior.

Powers faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking and violating the Mann Act, alongside accusations of tax fraud related to significant financial expenditures. Rubin, who was apprehended in Connecticut and is still in custody without bail, faces charges of severe violence against the women, including assault and rape, often disregarding their safety protocols and ignoring their pleas for help.

As the case progresses, the implications for both Powers and Rubin are significant, with potential long-term consequences that could extend beyond the courtroom. The developments in this legal battle continue to draw attention, highlighting critical issues surrounding consent, abuse, and the responsibilities of those in positions of power. The trial not only raises urgent questions about the treatment of women but also spotlights systemic failures that may allow such abuses to occur unchecked.

The upcoming proceedings promise to shed further light on this troubling situation, as both Powers and Rubin prepare for their legal challenges in the face of serious allegations. The community remains on edge as the case continues to evolve, and more details are expected to emerge in forthcoming hearings.