Alexander Brothers Face New Cruise-Ship Sexual Assault Charge Ahead Of Trafficking Trial

Federal prosecutors have expanded their case against the Alexander brothers, adding a sexual-assault charge that alleges twins Oren and Alon Alexander assaulted a woman aboard a Bahamian-flagged cruise ship in January 2012. The superseding indictment says the vessel departed from and returned to the United States. All three brothers — Oren, Alon and their older brother Tal — remain in federal custody in New York as they await trial on broader sex-trafficking allegations.

Oren Alexander, center, and his twin brother, Alon, center-right, speak to their attorney, Joel Denaro, during their bond hearing after being charged with multiple state and federal crimes, including sex trafficking and rape, at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building Dec. 13, 2024, in Miami.(AP Images)

What Prosecutors Allege

According to court filings, the government alleges the brothers and alleged co-conspirators ran a scheme over more than a decade in which they lured women with promises of luxury travel, upscale accommodations and access to exclusive events, then allegedly incapacitated and sexually assaulted them. The alleged pattern of abuse is said to have occurred in locations including Miami, New York and the Hamptons, and earlier filings referenced additional victims, including at least one minor.

A display showing images of Alon, Oren and Tal Alexander prior to a news conference in New York Dec. 11, 2024.

Details Of The New Charge

The recently added charge targets an incident aboard the Bahamian-flagged cruise ship in January 2012 and names twins Oren and Alon as defendants in that alleged assault. Prosecutors describe the addition as a significant escalation in a case that has grown since the brothers were first arrested in December 2024.

Real estate brokers Tal Alexander and Oren Alexander at their home in Miami Beach Feb. 1, 2019.

Defense Response And Procedural Issues

Defense attorneys for Oren and Alon have asked Judge Valerie Caproni to dismiss the new charge, arguing the superseding indictment is legally defective because it omits the word "knowingly" in describing the defendants' state of mind. In a joint filing, the defense called that omission a fatal drafting error and said the government has improperly charged the same underlying conduct under multiple statutes. Judge Caproni rejected the dismissal motion, calling the allegations "serious charges." Prosecutors acknowledged the omission in court filings and told the court they intend to seek another superseding indictment to fix the drafting error.

Pretrial Rulings And Timeline

Caproni has resolved several pretrial disputes, including granting prosecutors' request to permit certain alleged victims to testify anonymously over defense objections. Court records show the brothers are detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City. Jury selection is scheduled for Jan. 20, with the trial set to begin Jan. 26; prosecutors have said the trial could stretch into late February or early March.

Defendants' Position

The defendants have repeatedly denied the allegations. Defense counsel have criticized the timing and scope of the new charge; one attorney told the court, "These men's lives depend on this." Prosecutors counter that they will correct any drafting deficiencies and proceed to trial.

Note: These are allegations in an active federal prosecution. The defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.