The three Alexander brothers, found guilty of drugging and raping women at luxury parties, were sentenced by a court in New York to 30 years in prison each and fines of at least $300,000. Victims spoke of years of trauma, and the court called the brothers’ actions “monstrous.”
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that federal Judge Valerie Caproni described the conduct of Tal, Oren and Alon Alexander as “shameful, depraved and monstrous.” The sentence is less than the life terms prosecutors had sought.
According to prosecutors, over two decades the brothers used a luxury lifestyle to lure women to parties, to mansions in the Hamptons, Aspen and Miami, and on exclusive trips. They then allegedly drugged and raped them. At least 70 women were allegedly victimized by one or more of the brothers.
Oren and Tal Alexander were well-known luxury real estate brokers who served celebrities and wealthy clients. Alon ran the family’s security business. The brothers flaunted a life of yachts, private jets and seaside mansions.
Women who testified spoke of trauma, nightmares and fear. One of them said that “one night, just a few hours, one invitation, was enough to completely destroy the girl I once was.” Another said that every second of the rape “felt like an eternity of terror.” Lindsey Acree asked: “Why did you do this? I don’t understand this cruelty. I don’t understand the hatred of women.”
Before sentencing, all of the brothers expressed regret for how they had treated women, but denied the charges.
“Neither I nor my brothers ever drugged or raped anyone,” Oren Alexander said. Tal Alexander spoke of “sincere regret for something I did not do.”
The brothers emphasized their Jewish faith. Oren appeared in court wearing a yarmulke and said he would not be able to attend his son’s bar mitzvah (a religious ceremony marking the coming of age). They asked to be held in the same prison, arguing that it would make visits easier for their parents. The judge agreed only to recommend that they be placed near Miami.
Prosecutor Elizabeth Espinosa argued that the brothers’ “callousness, recklessness and cruelty” justified life sentences, and that their victims had been sentenced to “lifelong pain and suffering.” Lexi Zettle told the court that the defendants “treated me like a rag doll,” stressing that they “are not above the law.”
From New York, Andrzej Dobrowolski (PAP)
