US Prosecutors Seek Life Sentences for Alexander Brothers Convicted of Rape

U.S. prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty of life in prison for three Israeli brothers, Tal, Oren, and Alon Alexander, who were convicted of rape and sexual assault charges. The prosecution argued that the "sex crimes were of an exceptional scope" and that the brothers systematically lured, drugged, and assaulted women over more than a decade. According to the prosecution's filing, over 70 women reported being attacked by the three, with 11 testifying against them during the trial.

The brothers, formerly prominent luxury real estate brokers and a private security firm employee, were found guilty in March on all ten charges, including offenses against minors. The prosecution detailed a modus operandi where the brothers used promises of luxury lifestyles to attract women to exclusive parties, luxury estates, and apartments, where they would allegedly drug and assault them. Some assaults reportedly occurred during ski trips in Aspen and Caribbean cruises.

Evidence presented during the five-week trial included explicit communications, an alleged rape blog, and videos purportedly documenting the assaults. One video allegedly showed Oren Alexander raping a drugged 17-year-old in a Manhattan apartment in 2009. Another instance involved a photo of a sleeping, shirtless 16-year-old found on one of the brothers' laptops.

Despite their convictions, the Alexander brothers maintain their innocence, claiming they never committed sexual offenses. Their defense team is requesting a 15-year sentence, the statutory minimum. They acknowledged some past insensitivity towards women but asserted they never raped, sexually assaulted, or drugged anyone without consent. The defense also cited the brothers' young children as a reason to avoid a life sentence, arguing it would be devastating for them to miss their children's formative years.

Federal Judge Valerie Caproni has scheduled the sentencing for October 27. She has also called for a hearing next week to determine whether the brothers should be housed together or in separate correctional facilities. The defense is advocating for them to remain together, citing their need for mutual support for their safety and mental well-being.