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federal judge in New York City has ruled that two luxury real estate brokers and their brother accused of raping dozens of women over two decades will remain in jail to await trial on sex trafficking charges. Judge Valerie E. Caproni agreed with federal magistrate judges in Florida who previously found the brothers, Oren Alexander, 37, Tal Alexander, 38, and Alon Alexander, 37, posed a danger to the community.

    The men, who reside in Miami, have pleaded not guilty to multiple state and federal crimes, including sex trafficking and rape. They were accused of using their wealth and influence gained from brokering high-end properties in New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles to rape and sexually abuse women from at least 2002 to 2021.

    Prosecutors alleged that the brothers used deception, fraud, and coercion to entice victims to travel with them or attend parties before they were attacked. At other times, prosecutors said the men engaged in opportunistic rapes and sexual assaults of numerous victims they encountered by chance. Over 40 women have come forward claiming to be forcibly raped or sexually assaulted by at least one of the brothers.

    Each brother has been accused of forcible rape by at least 10 women, with some victims being minors. Prosecutors said law enforcement agents had spoken to multiple women who claimed the brothers had drugged them prior to a rape. A proposed $115 million bail package was offered, but prosecutors argued that it did not guarantee the men's return to court.

    The judge cited the strength of the evidence and potential penalties, including a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life if convicted. She also noted that the crimes allegedly occurred over two decades and were not isolated incidents. The trial is expected to feature testimony from numerous victims who will describe the horrific sexual violence they suffered at the hands of the Alexander brothers.