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federal judge has denied bail for Tal Alexander, a prominent real estate broker accused of sexual assault and trafficking, citing concerns he would flee the country despite his family's pledge of $115 million in real estate holdings. Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid agreed with prosecutors that Alexander, due to his wealth, posed a flight risk even under house arrest with a GPS monitor.

    Reid's ruling likely means Tal Alexander's brothers, Oren and Alon, will also be denied bail when they appear in federal court next week, as the proposed security package would have covered all three. Earlier Friday, a Florida judge granted Oren a $3 million bond and his twin $2 million on state charges related to the same investigation.

    Federal prosecutor Lauren Astigarraga argued that Alexander's wealth and connections could allow him to flee to Israel, making extradition difficult or impossible. She also claimed he posed a danger to the community due to the seriousness of the charges and potential intimidation of victims who might testify against him.

    The allegations against the Alexander brothers involve approximately 40 women who claim they were lured by the brothers to luxurious vacation spots and homes in Florida and New York, where they were drugged and raped. FBI Special Agent Justine Atwood testified that graphic videos, photos, and text messages between the brothers support these claims.

    Alexander's attorney argued that while the allegations are serious, the evidence is thin, and his client would lose all their wealth if he fled. However, Reid rejected this argument, ordering Alexander to be transported to a federal jail in New York. The brothers' state court bail requests were granted earlier Friday, but they remain held due to federal charges.

    The Alexander twins face multiple charges related to sex crimes, including allegations of using their wealth to lure and assault women over more than a decade. An attorney representing other victims said his office has received reports from over 50 women who claim to have been sexually assaulted by the brothers.