Rubashkin's Wife Testifies

The wife of Sholom Rubashkin testified Thursday morning about “the giant of a man,” her husband.

Rubashkin's Wife Take Stand in Sentencing Hearing
By Elizabeth Kutter • KCRG

CEDAR RAPIDS - The wife of Sholom Rubashkin testified Thursday morning about “the giant of a man,” her husband.

Sholom Rubashkin, 51, has been convicted of 86 counts of fraud in connection with an immigration raid in 2008 at the Agriprocessor Kosher Slaughtering House in Postville.

Leah Rubashkin was testifying in the three day sentencing hearing that will determine how long he will spend in federal prison.

Leah Rubashkin described her husband’s endless obligation and devotion to Agriprocessors. She spoke of sleepless nights and frustration during some periods of time.

Sholom Rubashkin wiped tears from his eyes and she spoke of the regression they’ve seen in their autistic son since his incarceration. By all accounts Sholom Rubashkin and his autistic son, Moshe, 16, have a special, close bond. Before Leah Rubashkin took the stand, Abe Roth, a CPA and family friend from New York, who said the failure of the banks to use due diligence in examining the Agriprocssor’s records led to the bank’s losses.

Court will resume in the afternoon with Leah Rubashkin still on the stand.