Two of the three Alexander brothers pleaded not guilty Tuesday to an additional count in a federal sex-trafficking indictment that now spans 12 counts, weeks before their January trial.
At a Glance
- Oren and Alon Alexander accused of raping an incapacitated woman on a Bahamian cruise in 2012
- Superseding indictment brings total charges to 12 against the trio
- Trial jury selection starts January 20, opening statements January 26
- All three remain jailed in New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center
Why it matters: The new charge signals prosecutors are still building their case, potentially adding another alleged victim to a trial already expected to feature testimony from dozens of women.
Oren Alexander, 37, and his twin Alon face one count of sexual abuse by physical incapacitation, according to the superseding indictment filed Monday in Manhattan federal court. Prosecutors say that around January 2012 the brothers engaged in a sex act with a woman “while she was physically incapable of declining participation” aboard “a Bahamian flagged cruise ship which departed from and arrived in the United States.”
The twins and older brother Tal Alexander, 38, already faced 11 federal counts alleging a decade-long conspiracy to drug, sexually assault and rape women in Miami, New York, the Hamptons and other luxury destinations.
Prominent Families and High-End Locales
Tal and Oren Alexander are well-known real-estate brokers who have sold multimillion-dollar properties in Miami and New York City. Alon Alexander holds an executive role at a private security firm owned and operated by the family.
The indictment portrays the siblings as working in concert-and with unnamed co-conspirators-to “repeatedly and violently” drug and assault women. Prosecutors contend the brothers:
- Lured victims with promises of luxury travel, upscale accommodations and high-end experiences
- Pre-arranged assault locations
- Occasionally assaulted women alongside other men
Each brother has pleaded not guilty to every count. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo declined to comment Tuesday.
Parents Defend Sons
Shlomi and Orly Alexander, parents of the defendants, issued a statement defending their children: “Our family has been living with this ordeal since allegations first appeared in civil lawsuits and were widely publicized long before any criminal charges were filed, and the toll has been deeply painful. We believe our sons are innocent and hope that they are judged solely on the evidence presented in court, free from speculation or public narrative.”
Trial Logistics Debated
Much of Tuesday’s hearing focused on procedural issues ahead of the fast-approaching trial. Topics included:
- Finalizing language for the jury questionnaire
- Whether certain alleged victims may testify under pseudonyms to protect their identities
At one point Judge Valerie Caproni voiced frustration over wording disputes, remarking, “I think most people feel that if a guy puts his hand on a girl where she doesn’t want it, that’s sexual assault.”
Evidence Production Spat
Defense attorney Teny Geragos complained that prosecutors have failed to hand over key material-videos and photos from witnesses and alleged co-conspirators-in a timely fashion.
Prosecutors countered that multiple FBI agents are working the case and doing their best to meet discovery deadlines. Judge Caproni remained skeptical, suggesting the Justice Department should reallocate resources from other high-profile matters, referencing the Jeffrey Epstein prosecution as an example.
Rearrest and Custody Status
Oren and Alon Alexander were taken back into custody Monday on the new charge and appeared in court the same morning. All three brothers remain held without bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City.
What Comes Next
- Jury selection: January 20
- Trial start: January 26
- Additional pretrial motions are expected before the end of the year
The government has not indicated whether more charges could follow, but the timing of the superseding indictment-just weeks before trial-suggests prosecutors are still gathering evidence and lining up witnesses. Defense attorneys are likely to seek further delays, arguing they need additional time to review any new material.
Key Takeaways
- A 12th charge ups the pressure on the Alexander brothers and their legal teams
- The cruise-ship allegation broadens the geographic scope of the alleged conspiracy
- With trial less than a month away, discovery disputes and witness-protection issues remain unresolved
- All three siblings will remain in federal custody through the proceedings
