Prosecutors seek life sentences for Alexander brothers in sex-trafficking case

Federal prosecutors urged a New York judge to sentence the Alexander brothers to life in prison in written submissions ahead of their October 27 sentencing, the Associated Press reported on October 14. Defence lawyers recommended 15-year terms. Twins Oren and Alon Alexander, 39, and their brother Tal, 40, were convicted in March of multiple charges, including sex trafficking. The AP reported that sex trafficking carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years. [ 2 ]

Prosecutors described a pattern of drugging and raping women over two decades and said they had identified at least 70 victims raped or sexually assaulted by at least one defendant. They said the brothers began sexually assaulting women as early as 2001 or 2002, when they were in high school. According to the government's account, the brothers later enticed women to join luxury getaways and developed a pattern of drugging and assaulting them. Those claims were set out in the prosecutors' sentencing submission. [ 2 ]

Defence lawyers said the brothers apologised to women they had insulted or offended for behaviour they acknowledged as insensitive to some women's feelings at certain times. But the lawyers also said all three continued to maintain complete innocence of the charges. The recommendations from both sides precede the judge's sentencing decision later this month. Oren and Tal Alexander worked as luxury real estate brokers, known for high-priced sales and celebrity clients. Alon Alexander ran the family's private security company. The Wall Street Journal also reported the prosecutors' request for life imprisonment. [ 1 , 2 ]