Michael R. Sisak and Larry Neumeister
New York: Three brothers, including two luxury real estate brokers, were convicted of sex-trafficking charges following a five-week trial. The accusations centered on using drugs and force to sexually assault numerous women, exploiting their wealth and opulent lifestyle.
The verdict came Monday after 11 women testified they were sexually assaulted by Oren and Alon Alexander, twins aged 38, and their brother Tal Alexander, 39.
The women testified that the attacks occurred during trips to locations including the Hamptons, a Caribbean cruise, and Aspen, Colorado. Prosecutors stated that more than 60 women allege they were raped by one or more of the brothers.
Defense lawyers suggested the accusers had faulty memories or were motivated by financial gain. The brothers’ lawyers conceded they were womanizers but maintained any sexual encounters were consensual. The jury began deliberations on Thursday.
The Rise and Fall of “The A Team”
Oren and Tal Alexander were previously brokers at Douglas Elliman before establishing their own firm, Official. Alon Alexander worked at the family’s private security firm.
Besides the criminal case, the brothers faced approximately two dozen lawsuits, including one filed Thursday by Tracy Tutor, a star of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles. She alleges Oren Alexander drugged and assaulted her in a restaurant bathroom while she was in New York City for a real estate event.
When the lawsuits began, multiple women came forward claiming they had also been sexually harassed or assaulted, and that the brothers’ misconduct with women had been an open secret in the real estate world for years.
In March 2024, Australian woman Kate Whiteman accused Oren and Alon of raping and kidnapping her, triggering an FBI probe.
However, she did not live to see the trial conclude. Last month, her lawyers paused her civil case to allow the criminal trial to proceed.
Late last year, she was found dead in Cowra, Central West NSW. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.
During the trial, many women testified they believed they’d been drugged after being given alcohol by one of the brothers. Some described feeling paralyzed after consuming less than one drink.
The brothers met the women at nightclubs, parties, and on dating apps, taking some on trips to luxurious locations and covering their flights and lodging.
Prosecutors presented text and email messages where the brothers appeared to boast about sexual exploits and knowledge of drugs’ effects, along with a blog post titled: “It’s not rape if…”
Prosecutors stated the brothers emailed about smuggling drugs – or “party favours” – onto a cruise ship, recorded at least one assault on video, and shared photos of victims.
AP
Anyone needing support can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028, Lifeline 13 11 14, and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
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