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federal judge has denied bail to Tal Alexander, a prominent real estate broker accused of sexual assault and trafficking, citing him as a flight risk due to his family's wealth. Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid rejected a $115 million bond package proposed by Alexander's family, which would have also covered his twin brothers, Oren and Alon Alexander.

    The prosecution argued that even with house arrest and a GPS monitor, Tal Alexander could flee the country on a private jet, making extradition difficult or impossible. Federal prosecutor Lauren Astigarraga compared the case to music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is being held without bail on sex trafficking charges.

    FBI Special Agent Justine Atwood testified that approximately 40 women have made similar allegations against the Alexander brothers, including being lured to luxurious vacation spots and homes in Florida and New York, where they were drugged and raped. The evidence includes graphic videos, photos, and text messages exchanged between the brothers.

    Alexander's attorney argued that while the allegations are serious, the evidence is thin, and his client has a family with a 2-week-old baby, making it unlikely he would flee. However, Reid agreed with the prosecution that Tal Alexander poses a danger to the community and could intimidate victims who might testify against him at trial.

    The brothers gained national attention after accusations were made public months ago. They co-founded their real estate firm, Official, which specialized in high-end properties in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. The state of Florida has also charged them with three separate instances of alleged sexual battery, with Oren Alexander facing three charges and Alon Alexander facing one.

    Alexander will be transported to a federal jail in New York, where the federal charges were filed on Wednesday. His twin brothers, who had been granted bail by a Florida judge earlier Friday, will likely also be denied bail due to the federal charges.