Three prominent real estate agent brothers, Tal Alexander, Alon Alexander, and Oren Alexander, stood before Judge Valerie Caproni during jury selection in a New York courtroom this week, marking the start of a highly anticipated sexual abuse trial.
Prosecution Alleges Systematic Predatory Behaviour
In a powerful opening statement on Tuesday, Assistant US Attorney Madison Smyser told the jury that the Alexander brothers employed a calculated "playbook" over a 12-year period from 2008 to 2021. She alleged they used luxury accommodations, private flights, drugs, alcohol, and sometimes brute force to lure women and girls into situations where they could be sexually assaulted.
Smyser asserted that the brothers utilised "whatever means necessary" to facilitate their alleged crimes, describing them as "predators masquerading as party boys." The indictment claims the men conspired to entice women to destinations like New York's Hamptons by offering flights, luxury hotel rooms, and access to exclusive entertainment events and parties, only to subsequently sexually abuse and rape them.
Defence Urges Jury to Reject 'Monstrous Story'
Defence attorneys mounted a vigorous counter-argument, urging jurors to dismiss what they characterised as a fabricated narrative. Attorney Teny Geragos, representing Oren Alexander, labelled the government's case a "monstrous story" and insisted the brothers' behaviour, while perhaps immoral, was not criminal.
Geragos suggested the brothers were successful, ambitious, and sometimes arrogant young men who actively participated in "hookup culture," pursuing women in nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and online with the intention of having consensual sexual encounters. She attempted to discredit the accusers, suggesting some were motivated by potential financial gain through lawsuits and only framed themselves as victims after regretting drug use or extramarital sex.
Disturbing Subject Matter Acknowledged
Attorney Deanna Paul, representing Tal Alexander, acknowledged the case involved deeply disturbing subject matter that might resemble an R-rated movie, particularly after prosecutors portrayed her clients as "monsters." She admitted the brothers, in their early twenties, were "party boys" and "womanizers" who slept with many women, but maintained this did not equate to criminality.
Paul urged the jury to reject the criminal charges if they found the accusers' testimony to be unreliable. Defence lawyers have stated in court filings that they have identified evidence which "undermines nearly every aspect of the alleged victims' narratives." The brothers have pleaded not guilty, with their legal team arguing prosecutors are unjustly criminalising consensual sexual activity.
Allegations of Violence and Drugging
The indictment presents grave allegations, stating the men violently sexually assaulted and raped dozens of women after enticing them with promises of luxury experiences, travel, and accommodations. It further alleges that the brothers frequently "drugged their victims before assaulting them, preventing them from fighting back or escaping."
Background of the Accused
Oren and Tal Alexander were established real estate dealers specialising in high-end properties across Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Their brother, Alon, graduated from New York Law School and subsequently managed the family's private security firm. Tal is 39 years old, while twins Alon and Oren are 38.
The three brothers have been held without bail since their arrest in Miami in December 2024, where they resided. The trial, which commenced with opening statements, is expected to last approximately one month as both sides present their evidence and call witnesses to testify.
