Home US News Florida High-end property agents indicted federally for sex trafficking in New York City

High-end property agents indicted federally for sex trafficking in New York City

0

Two upscale real estate agents along with their brother have been indicted for allegedly engaging in a decade-long pattern of luring, drugging, and violently sexually assaulting numerous women. The federal indictment was made public in Manhattan on Wednesday and details a shocking series of events that reportedly took place from 2010 to 2021.

In addition to the federal charges, two of the brothers also face state charges in Florida related to three specific incidents of alleged sexual assault. The indictment accuses Oren and Tal Alexander, who have built a reputation for high-profile property deals in New York City and Miami, along with their brother Alon Alexander, of using their affluence to exploit vulnerable women.

The brothers, all residents of Miami, are accused of employing tactics involving “deception, fraud, and coercion” to entice their victims into traveling with them or participating in various events. This often included covering flight and hotel expenses or inducing a sense of a budding romantic relationship, according to the indictment.

Once the women were in their company, they were reportedly drugged and assaulted by one or more of the brothers, as well as others, with the victims eventually being sent away with items such as concert tickets and other expensive gifts. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams described the behavior as “heinous” during a press conference held in Manhattan.

The brothers typically met their targets through dating apps, social gatherings, bars, and nightclubs, but they also allegedly engaged party promoters to help “source” women for their assaults. Prosecutors indicated that these women were frequently provided with substances like cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, and GHB, and in some cases, their drinks were surreptitiously spiked, impairing their ability to defend themselves during the assaults.

The indictment claims that, on several occasions, the victims were physically restrained, and their screams and pleas for help were ignored during the sexual assaults.

In the allegations emerging from Florida, state prosecutors detailed a horrific event in December 2016 where a woman reported being gang-raped after being lured to a barbecue at Alon Alexander’s apartment, only to find herself alone with Alon, Oren, and another relative, Ohad Fisherman, who is still at large. She stated that after being led to a bedroom, Fisherman held her down while the brothers argued over who would assault her first, despite her desperate pleas.

Another incident in October 2017 involved a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by Oren Alexander after consuming a drink that left her feeling incapacitated. A further incident occurred in October 2021, involving another woman who claimed she was assaulted by Oren after joining him and friends at his residence following dinner.

Following their arrest in Florida on Wednesday, the brothers are expected to appear in a Miami federal court before being transported to New York. U.S. Attorney Williams did not disclose whether additional charges might be forthcoming but encouraged any other potential victims to come forward.

The legal team representing the brothers has refuted the allegations, asserting their innocence and confirming that they will be contesting the charges in court. Oren’s attorney stated that evidence would demonstrate that he and his brothers never committed any offenses. Alon’s lawyer confirmed his intent to enter a not-guilty plea, while Tal’s legal representation chose not to comment.

Oren Alexander has already made an appearance in federal court in Miami, where a detention hearing will take place to assess whether he poses a risk to the community. Meanwhile, the other two brothers are in state custody and are set to appear in court soon.

A number of women who previously filed lawsuits alleging they were violently assaulted by the brothers expressed relief at the charges, seeing them as a step toward accountability and justice. Lawyer David Gottlieb praised the courage of the survivors who shared their harrowing experiences after years of silence.

The Alexander brothers have amassed notoriety in the real estate sector while working for Douglas Elliman, listing properties for celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Liam Gallagher, and Lindsay Lohan, before establishing their own company, Official, in 2022. Alon Alexander, Oren’s twin, had also pursued a legal education and was involved in the family’s private security business.

Exit mobile version