PR firm hired to represent convicted former Agriprocessors manager

Supporters of convicted former Agriprocessors vice president Sholom Rubashkin hired a public relations firm this month to let the public know his side of the story and allow supporters to donate money for his defense expenses.

Debra Caruso, of DJC Communications in New York, said they were hired by the “Friends of Sholom Rubashkin,” set up by the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education in New York who have provided financial support for Rubashkin's defense and his family from the beginning of this case.

Caruso said the firm's job is to put out any news regarding Rubashkin and his appeal efforts, and also to allow supporters to let the public know of Rubashkin's “unfair and harsh treatment.”

Rubashkin, convicted of 86 counts of bank fraud and other charges in November and awaiting sentencing, maintained during his trial he was innocent and did nothing wrong.

Caruso said people can also support Rubashkin by joining the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home/php?#/pages/Friends-of-Sholom-Rubashkin/202353846323?ref=ts and Twitter http://twitter.com/FriendsofSholom.

On the Facebook page there is news about a letter writing campaign and fundraising efforts and the Twitter page will focus on breaking news of the case, Caruso said.

Rubashkin and his family have been philanthropists in the Postville community as Jewish Americans and now need some help, Caruso said.

Caruso said donations can be made to the Pidyon Shvuyim Fund, set up by the national committee.

The charges against Rubashkin stem from the May 2008 immigration raid at the former Postville meatpacking plant where 389 illegal immigrants were arrested and charged.