Alexander brothers face sentencing

Federal judges in New York City will determine Tuesday the prison terms for three brothers convicted of running a sex trafficking operation. The sentencing follows a March trial in which a jury found Oren, Alon, and Tal Alexander guilty on 10 counts. These charges include conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force.

The prosecution, representing the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, is seeking life sentences for all three defendants. Their sentencing memo notes that more than 70 women reported abuse to investigators. Prosecutors argued the men used their wealth and social connections to identify and exploit victims.

Defense attorneys for the brothers, who maintain their innocence, have requested 15-year sentences for each man. During the trial, their legal team argued that the sexual encounters were consensual. They suggested the women were motivated by financial gain and that their testimonies were coordinated.

Eleven women testified at the trial, describing how they were lured into the ring over several years. Six of these women were named in the original indictment. Their accounts detailed being promised parties and trips before being drugged and assaulted.

One victim testified that she consumed a drink at a New York City club with Alon Alexander. She stated she lost control of her body and woke up naked in a bed. According to her testimony, when she tried to leave, Alon pushed her back down. She told him she did not want to have sex, and he responded, “You already did.”

Tal Alexander’s attorney, Deanna Paul, made a specific argument during closing remarks. She told the jury, “All the stories were rehearsed,” and added, “They’re looking for money.”