Federal prosecutors allege that brothers Oren, Tal and Alon Alexander used wealth and access to lure, drug and sexually assault more than a dozen women over many years. Opening statements begin Monday in the Southern District of New York, where a 12-person jury has been seated and more than 20 potential witnesses may testify, some under pseudonyms. The men plead not guilty to federal sex-trafficking and conspiracy charges and face a statutory minimum of 15 years to life if convicted; related state charges and civil suits are pending. Defense attorneys say encounters were consensual and question the age and origin of many allegations.
Alexander Brothers Go On Trial: Prosecutors Say Wealth And Status Were Used To Lure, Drug And Assault Women
High-profile real estate agent brothers Alon Alexander, Oren Alexander, and Tal Alexander appear with defense lawyers Marc Agnifilo and Milton Williams for a hearing, prior to their federal sex trafficking trial in New York on January 13, in a courtroom sketch. - Jane Rosenberg/Reuters
Federal prosecutors say prominent New York real-estate brokers Oren and Tal Alexander and their brother Alon used money, access and influence to lure, drug and sexually assault more than a dozen women over more than a decade. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Monday in the Southern District of New York, where a 12-person jury has been seated.
Prosecutors' Allegations
According to court filings, prosecutors contend the brothers identified women through dating apps, party promoters and chance encounters, then pooled funds to pay for travel to lavish parties, vacation homes and trips. Authorities allege the men used cocaine and club drugs to incapacitate victims and committed violent sexual assaults at locations including the Hamptons, Aspen, Las Vegas, Manhattan and on a Caribbean cruise between about 2005 and 2021.
Oren Alexander, 37, left, and his twin brother, Alon, right, attend their bond hearing at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building on December 13, 2024 in Miami, Florida. The Alexanders have been charged with multiple state and federal crimes, including sex trafficking and rape. - Matias J. Ocner/Pool/Getty Images
Prosecutors say they have gathered text messages arranging travel and encounters, as well as photographs and videos they believe corroborate the victims' accounts. More than 20 women could be called to testify; Judge Valerie Caproni has allowed several accusers — including those who were minors at the time of alleged incidents — to testify under pseudonyms.
Charges, Potential Penalties And Related Cases
The brothers have pleaded not guilty to federal charges that include sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. If convicted on all counts, they face a statutory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. Prosecutors note that Oren and Alon also face related state charges in Florida, and all three defend against multiple civil lawsuits.
Damien Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, answers a question after he announced the arrest and indictment of Alon Alexander, Oren Alexander, and Tal Alexander, at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, on December 11, 2024. - Kent J. Edwards/Reuters/File
Defense Position
Defense lawyers say the encounters were consensual, that the women were not forced to travel or paid to have sex, and that many allegations are older and were not reported or were deemed unchargeable when they occurred. A spokesperson for the brothers, Juda Engelmayer, said the defense expects the trial to show the relationships were consensual and that the government’s case depends on hindsight rather than facts.
Notable Legal Representation And Context
Oren Alexander has hired veteran defense attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, who recently helped defend music executive Sean "Diddy" Combs in related allegations. The Combs trial highlighted how witness texts and communications can shape jurors' views about consent and coercion.
Tal Alexander and Oren Alexander attend 565 Broome Sales Gallery launch event at 372 West Broadway on September 20, 2016 in New York City. - Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images
Legal experts note that #MeToo-era prosecutions of alleged sexual exploitation and trafficking can be legally complex, often hinging on witness credibility and evidence spanning many years.
Background, Arrests And Family Statement
The brothers grew up in Miami and later relocated to New York, where Tal and Oren established careers as brokers for wealthy clients while Alon worked at a family-associated private security firm. The three were arrested in December 2024 and have since been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Their parents have attended court proceedings and reiterated their belief in their sons' innocence.
"The evidence will show that these were consensual adult relationships, that no one was trafficked, coerced, drugged, or deprived of anything of value," said Juda Engelmayer, a spokesperson for the brothers.
The trial is expected to last at least a month. As with many high-profile sexual-assault prosecutions, outcome and public reaction may turn on the credibility of witnesses and the strength of documentary and electronic evidence presented at trial.
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