Wife describes Rubashkin as 'giant of a man' at sentencing hearing

The wife of Sholom Rubashkin testified this morning at his federal sentencing hearing, describing her husband as a “giant of a man.”

Sholom Rubashkin, 51, has been convicted of 86 counts of fraud in connection with an immigration raid in 2008 at the Agriprocessors kosher slaughterhouse in Postville.

Leah Rubashkin was testifying in the three-day sentencing hearing that will determine how long he will spend in federal prison on federal bank, wire and mail fraud charges.

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 as his wife 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, said the failure of the banks to use due diligence in examining Agriprocssors' records led to the bank's losses.

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

-- Elizabeth Kutter, correspondent