MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Tal Alexander, one of three wealthy brothers accused of operating a “long-running sex trafficking scheme,” was denied bond in federal court Friday after a judge ruled he posed a significant flight risk.
The ruling comes after a heated pretrial detention hearing where prosecutors painted a chilling portrait of the Alexander brothers’ violent crimes and international ties.
6 p.m. report:
Tal Alexander, along with his twin brothers Alon and Oren, face 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 Tal Alexander conspired with his brothers from at least 2010 to 2021 to engage in a pattern 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 referencing a yearbook comment they believe alludes to gang rape.
Tal Alexander, who appeared in Miami-Dade federal court before Judge Lissette Reid wearing a beige inmate jumpsuit, sat alongside his defense team, including a New York attorney who questioned an FBI agent currently testifying in court.
In court, an FBI agent described messages and social media posts prosecutors claim reveal the brothers’ methods.
Evidence includes a text from January 2024, in which Oren Alexander reportedly warned Tal:
“Start to think about your reputation. We are on 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 chance encounters to lure victims. They said multiple women reported being restrained, drugged, and sexually assaulted.
Prosecutors said a victim described being attacked in the Hamptons in 2011, waking up outside after being filmed by a camcorder. Another victim, allegedly assaulted in 2016, claimed she was incapacitated after receiving a drink and was raped while unable to move or speak.
The allegations also include a group chat where authorities said the brothers discussed “fees per bang” and referred to women as “fresh” acquisitions. Prosecutors also argued the brothers were boastful about their crimes, using phrases like “running train,” which refers to gang rape.
Investigators claim they discovered sexually explicit videos and photos, as well as evidence suggesting the brothers arranged 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 ring by luring them with promises of money and luxury.
Some victims said they were coerced into becoming prostitutes, forced to participate in sex parties and subjected to repeated abuse, according to investigators.
Authorities also confirmed that several women have testified that they were drugged to the point of being unconscious or semi-conscious, leaving them vulnerable to the brothers’ sexual assaults.
In a dramatic moment during the hearing on Friday, Tal Alexander looked back at his mother with a sorrowful expression as the judge announced her decision.
Milton Williams Jr., the Alexander brothers’ defense attorney, argued that Alexander’s family was willing to put up $115 million in equity as part of a bail package, but the judge ultimately decided that Alexander posed a flight risk, citing his considerable financial resources and international ties, which could facilitate his escape.
“His wealth is his weapon,” Assistant U.S. 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 flee if he chooses to do so.”
During the hearing, Tal Alexander’s defense attorney disputed the severity of the charges, claiming the allegations were untrue.
The defense also challenged the characterization of Alexander as a flight risk, asserting that the claims were based on speculative assumptions.
“Many people have access to private jets, but that doesn’t mean they’re going anywhere,” the attorney argued, referencing the lack of evidence that Alexander had fled in the past.
In a rare show of support, more than 20 of Tal Alexander’s family members and close friends attended the court hearing, including his mother and members of his synagogue.
His attorney emphasized that the family was willing to offer 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 a separate state court for charges related to sexual battery stemming from incidents in Miami Beach.
Their defense attorney, 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 would remain in jail until their next hearing on Monday, and they will eventually be transferred to federal custody ahead of their appearance in New York.
The twins’ legal team maintains their innocence, stating that they will vigorously fight the charges.
Meanwhile, the prosecution’s case against the Alexander brothers continues to grow.
Authorities have stated that additional victims have come forward in recent weeks, and they expect the number of accusers to rise.
As the case moves forward, the family’s extensive financial resources, their international connections, and the weight of the 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.