NEW YORK (AP) — Three brothers, including two of the nation’s most successful luxury real estate brokers, were convicted of sex trafficking charges Monday after a five-week trial over accusations that they used drugs and force to rape scores of women they had dazzled with their wealth and opulent lifestyle.
The verdict came after 11 women testified they were sexually assaulted by one or more of the brothers: twins Oren and Alon Alexander, 38, and Tal Alexander, 39. All three of the men shook their heads as the jury foreperson said “guilty” 19 straight times. Tal Alexander dropped his head into his crossed arms.
Sentencing was set for Aug. 6, when the brothers could face up to life in prison. They remain jailed.
Marc Agnifilo, a defense lawyer who spoke outside the courthouse, said he'd appeal the verdict.
“We believe in our clients' innocence and we're not going to stop fighting until we prevail, and we believe that we will one day prevail," he said.
The verdict represented a spectacular fall for Oren and Tal Alexander, who were known as “The A Team” of real estate for their high-ticket sales and celebrity clientele.
After smashing sales records at industry powerhouse Douglas Elliman, the brothers started their own firm. Alon Alexander went to law school and ran their family’s private security company, which caters to heads of state and the rich and famous.
The women described attacks that occurred after they were invited to vacation locales including the Hamptons, a Caribbean cruise and a ski trip in Aspen, Colorado. More than 60 women say they were raped by one or more of the brothers, according to prosecutors.
Defense lawyers suggested the accusers had faulty memories or were hoping to cash in on the brothers’ fortunes. The brothers, their lawyers conceded, were womanizers. But they insisted any sex was consensual.
In addition to the top charges, Alon and Tal Alexander were also convicted of sex trafficking of a minor while Alon and Oren Alexander were convicted of aggravated sexual abuse by force or intoxicant and sexual abuse of a physically incapacitated person. Oren Alexander was also convicted of sexually exploiting a minor.
Source: WPLG
