Three brothers were each sentenced to 30 years in prison on Tuesday after being convicted of sex trafficking crimes in a Manhattan federal court.
Twins Oren and Alon Alexander, 39, and Tal Alexander, 40, were found guilty in March of 10 counts of engaging in a years-long conspiracy of rape, sex trafficking, sex abuse and sexual exploitation. Judge Valerie E Caproni handed down the 30-year federal prison sentences to each man.
Judge admonishes brothers for denying crimes
Judge Caproni admonished the men for continuing to deny their crimes despite being found guilty. She also denied their request for the minimum sentence of 15 years.
"I don't refer to people as monsters because even rapists can change, but your conduct was monstrous," the judge said.
The men, who were arrested in 2024 and have been held without bail, were seen grinning in court as the hearing played out.
Victims testify in emotional hearings
Eleven of the brothers' victims gave testimonies in the March trial. The trial also included photographs, messages and a video of alleged sexual assault that was so obscene it almost made one juror cry. Several of their victims wept as they addressed the court before the men's sentencing.
One victim said through sobs, "I stand here not only for myself but for every voice that Tal and his brothers have tried to silence. Your Honor, this is a life sentence I never asked for. This remains with me long after this. I carry a quiet funeral inside me."
Another victim, who used the name Katie Moore, said: "These men spent years treating women and girls as though our lives, bodies, voices and humanity meant nothing. But we are not disposable, and they are not untouchable."
Pattern of drugging and raping women
Prosecutors said the brothers began sexually assaulting women as early as 2001 or 2002, while they were in high school. As the years went on, they developed a pattern of drugging and raping women whom they enticed to join them on luxury getaways.
"The defendants felt empowered to take whatever they wanted from any woman or girl who agreed to get on a plane, go to a party, or sit at their table at a nightclub," prosecutors said. Once sexual assaults began, the brothers "seemed to prefer - when the women protested, struggled to get free, or lay lifeless in front of them," prosecutors said.
Many of the women who testified described being raped or sexually assaulted after they became disoriented and lost control of their bodies after being given a drink by one of the brothers. At least 70 women were raped or sexually assaulted by the men, prosecutors said in a court filing that called the brothers "serial rapists."
Defense and prosecution requests
While the brothers maintain their innocence, the defence asked that they each receive the minimum sentence of 15 years. Defence lawyers said the brothers apologise to the women they insulted or offended for conduct they admit was "insensitive toward the feelings of certain women at certain times."
Prosecutors asked for life imprisonment for all three men, while federal probation officials recommended 195 years for Oren and 180 years each for his twin Alon and their older brother Tal. The judge previously said she believes the brothers should not be incarcerated at the same prison as they were a bad influence on one another.
