WCBS 880: Police Investigating Sexual Assault Allegation Against Lawyer Sanford Rubenstein

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An attorney who has represented clients in some of New York City's highest-profile cases has been accused of sexual assault.

Law enforcement sources confirmed to WCBS 880 on Sunday morning that the NYPD is investigating an alleged sexual assault involving lawyer Sanford Rubenstein.

The 70-year-old attorney is accused of raping a woman in his Upper East Side home hours after attending Wednesday night's 60th birthday party for the Rev. Al Sharpton, according to multiple published reports.

The alleged victim is 42 years old and a "top official" at Sharpton's National Action Network, sources told the New York Daily News.

No charges have been filed against Rubenstein. The accusation is being investigated as a third-degree rape, which means the victim is not capable of consent at the time, the Daily News reported.

"Sanford Rubenstein vehemently denies any misconduct," his lawyer, Michael Ross, said.

Rubenstein's list of clients includes Abner Louima and the families of Eric Garner and Sean Bell.

The National Action Network released a statement saying it learned of the allegations through the media and has not been notified about any official investigation.

"The allegations as reported occurred at a private residence after a NAN event and had nothing to do with NAN nor Rev. Al Sharpton, therefore we have no comment at this time," the group said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio was asked about the accusation against Rubenstein on Sunday.

"I haven't seen all the details," he said. "Obviously, these are very troubling charges. But I haven't seen the details of it, and obviously there will be a full investigation."

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