Bond rejected for real estate tycoon involved in sex-trafficking case dating back more than a decade

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Tal Alexander, one of three wealthy brothers accused of operating a “long-standing sex-trafficking scheme,” was denied bond in federal court Friday after a judge ruled he posed a significant flight risk.

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The ruling comes after a heated remand hearing in which prosecutors painted a chilling portrait of the Alexander brothers’ violent crimes and international ties.

Tal Alexander, along with his twin brothers Alon and Oren, faces federal charges for allegedly drugging and raping dozens of women for more than 10 years, according to a federal indictment filed in New York.

Prosecutors allege that Tal Alexander conspired with his brothers between at least 2010 and 2021 to engage in a type of sexual violence, including the trafficking and rape of approximately 40 victims, some of whom were minors at the time.

The alleged assaults date back to when the brothers attended high school in Miami, with prosecutors citing a yearbook comment they believe alludes to gang rapes.

Tal Alexander, who appeared in Miami-Dade federal court before Judge Lissette Reid wearing a beige inmate jumpsuit, stood with his defense team, including a New York attorney who questioned an FBI agent who currently testifying in court.

In court, an FBI agent described messages and social media posts prosecutors say reveal the brothers’ methods.

The evidence includes a text from January 2024, in which Oren Alexander warned Tal:

“Start thinking about your reputation. We’re at the top of our game and the only thing that can bring us down is some h… complaining.”

Prosecutors said the brothers used promoters, dating apps and random encounters to lure the victims. They said several women reported being detained, drugged and sexually assaulted.

Prosecutors said one victim described being attacked in the Hamptons in 2011, waking up outside after being caught on camera. Another victim, who was allegedly assaulted in 2016, claimed she was incapacitated after being given a drink and raped while unable to move or speak.

The charges also include a group chat in which authorities said the brothers discussed “per bang fees” and referred to the women as “fresh” acquisitions. Prosecutors also alleged that the brothers bragged about their crimes, using phrases such as “the rolling train” that referred to gang rape.

Investigators say they discovered sexually explicit videos and photos, as well as evidence suggesting the brothers threw lavish sex parties, even providing women with drugs for the events.

The brothers, who have ties to Miami Beach and New York’s luxury real estate scene, allegedly manipulated women into becoming part of their trafficking network, luring them with promises of money and luxury.

Some victims said they were forced to become prostitutes, forced to attend sex parties and subjected to repeated abuse, according to investigators.

Authorities also confirmed that several women testified that they were drugged to the point of unconsciousness or semi-consciousness, leaving them vulnerable to sexual assault by their brothers.

In a dramatic moment during Friday’s hearing, Tal Alexander looked back at his mother with a pained expression as the judge announced his decision.

Milton Williams Jr., the defense attorney for the Alexander brothers, argued that Alexander’s family was willing to put up $115 million in equity as part of a bail package, but the judge ultimately ruled that Alexander posed a risk of escape, citing his considerable financial resources and international connections, which could facilitate his escape.

“His wealth is his weapon,” Deputy District Attorney Lauren Astigarraga argued in court, pointing to the family’s ability to access private jets and yachts. “He (Tal Alexander) has the means to run if he chooses to do so.”

During the hearing, Tal Alexander’s defense attorney contested the seriousness of the allegations, claiming the allegations were untrue.

The defense also disputed the characterization of Alexander as a flight risk, saying the claims were based on speculative assumptions.

“A lot of people have access to private jets, but that doesn’t mean they’re going anywhere,” the lawyer argued, citing the lack of evidence that Alexander had fled in the past.

In a rare show of support, more than 20 members of Tal Alexander’s family and close friends attended the court hearing, including his mother and members of his synagogue.

His lawyer stressed that the family is willing to provide significant collateral, including their homes and other assets, to ensure Alexander’s appearance in court. Despite these assurances, the judge ruled that the strength of the evidence against Alexander, combined with his ability to escape, outweighed the defense’s arguments.

At the same time, Alon and Oren Alexander appeared in separate state court on sexual assault charges stemming from the Miami Beach incidents.

Their lawyer, Joel Denaro, reached a bail agreement with state prosecutors, allowing the twins to be placed under house arrest with GPS monitoring. However, Denaro confirmed that the brothers will remain in jail until their next hearing on Monday, and eventually will be transferred to federal custody before their appearance in New York.

The twins’ legal team maintains their innocence, saying they will vigorously fight the charges.

Meanwhile, the prosecution case against the Alexander brothers continues to grow.

Authorities said additional victims have come forward in recent weeks and the number of accusers is expected to rise.

As the case moves forward, the family’s extensive financial resources, their international connections and the weight of evidence will likely play a significant role in the legal battle.

Tal Alexander will remain in federal custody pending his trial, where he faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.