The Alexander Sex Trafficking Trial: A Hamptons Backdrop, a Manhattan Jury Selection

Jury selection started Tuesday, January 20, in Manhattan federal court for the case against Oren Alexander, Tal Alexander (who are luxury real estate brokers), and their brother, Alon Alexander. Prosecutors claim Alon sexually abused many women for over ten years. Judge Valerie E. Caproni started things off by explaining the charges to potential jurors. She asked each brother to stand and look at the full courtroom – a standard way to start a case where it all comes down to who you believe and what their plans were.

Prosecutors stated the brothers used their wealth – trips, places to stay, and invites to vacation spots – to get women into situations where they say the women were drugged and attacked, sometimes in places like the Hamptons. Court papers and news stories say investigators think the men met women on dating apps and while out at night, sometimes with help from party organizers. They then gave the women drugs like cocaine or psychedelic mushrooms, or drugged their drinks.

The brothers said they’re not guilty and have been in jail without bail since they were arrested in Miami in December 2024. The defense lawyers said the men did have sex with some of the women accusing them, but it was all agreed upon. The trial should last about a month. Opening statements are set for Monday, January 26.

Before the jury selection, the defense complained again that prosecutors kept changing the charges and added new ones too late for them to properly look into. One of the disputed charges is that Oren Alexander sexually abused a minor in 2009. The defense is arguing against this, partly because of questions about whether a birth certificate from a former Soviet country (now in a war zone) is real. The defense lawyers also asked Judge Caproni to cut back or drop some charges, including parts of a conspiracy charge that they say changed at the very last minute.

Judge Caproni seemed worried about these last-minute changes. She recently turned down a request from the government to call a witness related to the conspiracy charge because they missed the deadlines for providing information. Also, news stories say that a woman who had previously accused Oren and Alon Alexander of sexual assault was found dead near Sydney last year. Australian police said the death didn’t look suspicious.

Ty Wenzel

Ty Wenzel is an award-winning writer, designer, and marketing professional with a career spanning fashion, publishing, media, and digital innovation. A recent breast cancer survivor, she began her career as a fashion coordinator for Bloomingdale’s before serving as fashion editor at Cosmopolitan Magazine. Her work has appeared in numerous national publications, including The New York Times, and she is the author of a memoir published by St. Martin’s Press. In 2020, Wenzel co-founded James Lane Post, where she covers lifestyle, real estate, architecture, and interiors. She previously served as a writer and marketing director for The Independent. Her work in journalism, social media, and design has been recognized with multiple PCLI and NYPA awards, including best website design and best magazine. Wenzel is also the founder of the Hamptons-based social media agency TWM Hamptons Social Media, where she develops high-level branding and digital strategy for luxury clients.