Sex Trafficking Trial Looms for 'A Team' of High-End Real Estate Brokers in New York
The alleged sex crimes against the Alexander Brothers, two high-end real estate brokers and their brother who runs a private security firm catering to heads of state and wealthy clients, are set to be tried in federal court in Manhattan. The brothers have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of sex trafficking, rape, and assault.
Prosecutors claim that Tal, Oren, and Alon Alexander - known collectively as the Alexander Brothers - preyed on dozens of women from 2008 to 2021, often after incapacitating them with drugs and recording their crimes on video. The brothers met victims at nightclubs, parties, and dating apps and recruited others for trips to luxury destinations.
The case has sparked controversy over how the federal sex-trafficking statute is being applied, particularly in cases involving consensual adult relationships. The defense argues that allegations are not evidence and will present witnesses who they claim have lied to the government.
Judge Valerie E. Caproni has rejected defense requests to dismiss or send the case to state court, stating that the charges do not represent "date rape" crimes more commonly prosecuted in state courts. Instead, she believes the allegations fall under federal jurisdiction due to the use of force, coercion, and exploitation.
The trial is expected to be a lengthy and complex process, with prosecutors promising to present evidence showing the brothers' apparent impunity in committing these crimes. The defense has vowed to prove that witnesses have lied to the government and that their testimony cannot be trusted.
If convicted, the Alexander Brothers could face life in prison for their alleged crimes. The trial is set to begin on Tuesday, after being delayed a day due to heavy snowfall in New York.
The alleged sex crimes against the Alexander Brothers, two high-end real estate brokers and their brother who runs a private security firm catering to heads of state and wealthy clients, are set to be tried in federal court in Manhattan. The brothers have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of sex trafficking, rape, and assault.
Prosecutors claim that Tal, Oren, and Alon Alexander - known collectively as the Alexander Brothers - preyed on dozens of women from 2008 to 2021, often after incapacitating them with drugs and recording their crimes on video. The brothers met victims at nightclubs, parties, and dating apps and recruited others for trips to luxury destinations.
The case has sparked controversy over how the federal sex-trafficking statute is being applied, particularly in cases involving consensual adult relationships. The defense argues that allegations are not evidence and will present witnesses who they claim have lied to the government.
Judge Valerie E. Caproni has rejected defense requests to dismiss or send the case to state court, stating that the charges do not represent "date rape" crimes more commonly prosecuted in state courts. Instead, she believes the allegations fall under federal jurisdiction due to the use of force, coercion, and exploitation.
The trial is expected to be a lengthy and complex process, with prosecutors promising to present evidence showing the brothers' apparent impunity in committing these crimes. The defense has vowed to prove that witnesses have lied to the government and that their testimony cannot be trusted.
If convicted, the Alexander Brothers could face life in prison for their alleged crimes. The trial is set to begin on Tuesday, after being delayed a day due to heavy snowfall in New York.