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Manhattan Judge Denies Bail for Alexander Brothers in Sex Trafficking Case
In a significant development, a federal judge in Manhattan has denied bail for the Alexander brothers, amid ongoing allegations of sex trafficking. The ruling was issued on Wednesday, leaving the brothers in custody as they await their trial in Miami.
The decision came after a heated three-hour hearing that focused on the potential dangers posed by the defendants and their risk of fleeing. Judge Valerie E. Caproni expressed strong disapproval during the proceedings, particularly regarding arguments made by defense lawyers concerning the incapacitation of one of the alleged victims.
The Alexander brothers—Oren, Tal, and Alon—were prominent real estate agents in luxury markets such as Miami Beach and Manhattan before facing serious legal issues. They were indicted in December and have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
During the hearing, defense attorneys engaged in a controversial dialogue, one arguing that the absence of “orgies” indicated a change in behavior, while another claimed that a woman could not be considered incapacitated simply because she was able to stand. This argument elicited a sharp response from Judge Caproni, who countered that such reasoning was unfounded and dismissed it outright.
The prosecution alleges that, over approximately ten years, the Alexander brothers used their influence and wealth in the real estate sector to exploit and abuse more than 40 women, predominantly in the high-profile locations of Manhattan and Miami, frequently targeting them with the drug GHB.
Discussion during the hearing also turned to a 2009 videotape presented as crucial evidence. Judge Caproni challenged the defense’s portrayal of the video, which allegedly shows a non-consensual encounter, emphasizing that engaging with an incapacitated individual amounts to rape.
The tape, described by prosecutor Andrew Jones as a “trophy” recording, gained attention for its shocking content and its implications in relation to the ongoing case. He detailed that the video captured one of the defendants setting up a tripod while a woman, who appeared drunk and hardly able to communicate, was on the bed.
Further comments from Jones underscored the seriousness of the accusation, highlighting that the woman in the video appeared to be incapable of active participation and needed assistance post-incident.
Defensive arguments concerning the nature of the evidence were met with skepticism from the judge. In Stating the video was misrepresented, defense lawyer Richard Klugh attempted to reframe the narrative by suggesting the woman showed signs of coherency and agency post-encounter, but this was swiftly dismissed by Judge Caproni.
Ultimately, the bail request, which included a proposed $115 million package ensuring home confinement with substantial security measures, was rejected. Judge Caproni cited legal precedents from New York’s Second Circuit, emphasizing that a two-tiered bail system favoring wealthy defendants could not be entertained.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 29, where further developments in this high-profile case are anticipated.
For more information, read the original article on Business Insider.
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