Three brothers, including two of America's most successful luxury real estate brokers, have been convicted of sex trafficking charges following a five-week trial in New York. Oren, Alon, and Tal Alexander were found guilty on Monday after prosecutors presented evidence that they used drugs and force to rape scores of women they had dazzled with their wealth and opulent lifestyle.
The verdict came after 11 women testified they were sexually assaulted by one or more of the brothers. The women described attacks that occurred after being invited to vacation locales including the Hamptons, a Caribbean cruise, and a ski trip in Aspen, Colorado. More than 60 women say they were raped by one or more of the brothers, according to prosecutors.
Defence lawyers suggested the accusers had faulty memories or were hoping to cash in on the brothers' fortunes. They conceded the brothers were womanizers but insisted any sex was consensual. Oren and Tal Alexander were brokers at Douglas Elliman before starting their own firm, Official. Alon Alexander worked at the family's private security firm.
During the trial, many women said they believed they had been drugged after being handed alcohol by one of the brothers. Some described losing control of their bodies after less than one drink. The brothers met women at nightclubs, parties, and on dating apps, taking some on trips to ritzy locales and paying for flights and luxury lodging.
Prosecutors pushed back on the idea that accusers were seeking financial gain, noting only two have lawsuits pending and both are wealthy. One woman who testified said she was raped by Alon Alexander in Aspen when she was 17, and told jurors: "I don't want their money. I just don't want them to have it."
Besides the criminal case, the brothers face about two dozen lawsuits, including one filed by Tracy Tutor, a star of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles. Multiple women have come forward claiming sexual harassment or assault, saying the brothers' misconduct was an open secret in the real estate world for years.
