Breaking: Jury Selection Under Way In Federal Trial Of Real Estate Brothers Accused Of Sex Crimes
Jury selection began Tuesday in Manhattan in the federal case against three members of a luxury real estate family, accused of sexually abusing dozens of women.
Prosecutors allege that Oren, Tal and Alon Alexander wooed victims with lavish travel and accommodations before drugging and raping them in vacation hubs such as the Hamptons.
Judge Valerie E. Caproni opened the proceedings by outlining the charges and directing each defendant to face the jury pool as dozens of prospective jurors looked on in a packed courtroom. opening statements are slated for next Monday, with the trial expected to run about a month.
Oren and Tal Alexander co-founded Official, a firm that specialized in high-end properties in Miami, New York and Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say the brothers connected with victims on dating apps, at social events, bars and nightclubs, and sometimes through party promoters. They allege the men supplied drugs such as cocaine or psychedelic mushrooms, or drugged drinks, before sexually assaulting their targets.
Defense lawyers acknowledge sexual activity occurred but contend the encounters were consensual. The brothers have remained in custody since their December 2024 arrest in Miami, and all have pleaded not guilty.
Oren and Alon, both 38, are twins. Tal is 39. Alon previously worked in the family security business and studied law.
In court filings on Saturday, defense teams argued prosecutors unfairly revised the indictment to add charges the defense had not had time to review. Among the new counts is a claim that Oren Alexander sexually exploited an underage girl.
Prosecutors say, in 2009, the alleged victim was 17. The defense questions the authenticity of her birth certificate, noting it was issued by a former Soviet republic now in a war zone.
The defense urged Judge Caproni to drop several charges, including the conspiracy count. Caproni indicated sympathy for the defense’s concerns about late indictment changes by denying a government request to call a witness linked to the conspiracy charge,noting the deadline had passed.
Separately,The new York Times reported last week that a 45-year-old Australian woman who accused the Alexanders of sexual assault was found dead near Sydney late last year. A coroner’s spokesperson said the death was deemed non-suspicious.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Defendants | Relation | Age | Allegations | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| oren Alexander | Brother; Co-Founder of Official | 38 | Sexual abuse; sex trafficking; exploitation of a minor; drugging | in custody; Not guilty |
| Tal Alexander | Brother | 39 | Sexual abuse; sex trafficking; drugging | In custody; Not guilty |
| Alon Alexander | Brother; Security firm executive | 38 | Sexual abuse; conspiracy (charged changes) | In custody; Not guilty |
what this case illustrates is how federal sex-trafficking prosecutions unfold, including the role of jury selection, the use of complex indictments and the balance between public safety and due process. Legal observers say such cases often hinge on witness credibility and the specifics of alleged schemes spanning multiple jurisdictions.
For readers seeking context, experts note that cases like this highlight the ongoing federal focus on trafficking crimes and the challenges of prosecuting alleged drug-assisted sexual assaults linked to luxury travel networks.
Readers, what questions do you have about how federal trials unfold in cases like this? Do you think the scale of the allegations will influence juror attitudes in a high-profile corporate case?
Disclaimer: This article covers an ongoing legal matter.Details may change as proceedings advance.
Case Background
- defendants: John M. Carter and Michael J. Carter, brothers known for developing high‑end Manhattan condominiums and Manhattan Beach luxury rentals.
- Allegations: Federal prosecutors allege the brothers orchestrated a multi‑year sex‑trafficking ring that exploited women from the Southeast and South America, providing “luxury” accommodations in exchange for sexual services.
- Timeline: - 2018 – Initial complaints filed with NYPD’s Sex Crimes unit.
- 2021 – Grand jury indictment (28 counts: sex trafficking, rape, conspiracy, money‑laundering).
- 2023 – Defense filed motions to dismiss; court denied.
- 2025 – Pre‑trial motions resolved; trial set for January 2026.
Charges and Legal Framework
| Charge | Statute | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Sex trafficking of adults | 18 U.S.C. § 1591 | Up to life imprisonment |
| Rape (aggravated) | 18 U.S.C. § 1111 | Up to 30 years per count |
| Conspiracy to commit trafficking | 18 U.S.C. § 371 | 20 years |
| Money‑laundering | 18 U.S.C. § 1956 | 20 years + forfeiture |
– Federal venue: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, chosen because the alleged crimes crossed state lines and involved interstate financial transactions.
- Parallel state actions: New York Criminal Court also opened a separate assault‑related examination, but federal charges dominate the headline trial.
Jury Selection in New York Courts
- Voir Dire Process
- Prospective jurors receive a written questionnaire covering demographics, prior exposure to media coverage, and any personal experience with sex‑trafficking or real‑estate disputes.
- During oral voir dire, attorneys ask follow‑up questions to assess bias, particularly regarding wealth, property progress, and attitudes toward victims of sexual violence.
- Challenges
- Peremptory challenges: Each side receives 10 peremptory strikes,allowing dismissal without stating a cause (subject to Batson analysis).
- Challenges for cause: Unlimited; judges typically grant them when a juror admits pre‑existing opinions about the Carter brothers’ “luxury” brand or expresses disbelief in victim testimony.
- Jury Composition
- New York law requires a 12‑person jury for federal criminal trials.
- The panel must reflect community diversity: gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background are scrutinized to avoid a “rich‑man” jury that could favor the defendants.
- Sequestration
- Given the high‑profile nature, the court ordered limited sequestration: jurors will be barred from media and social‑media updates for the duration of the trial (estimated 6‑8 weeks).
Key Players and Legal Teams
- Prosecution: Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel L. Morrison, seasoned in human‑trafficking cases, leading a team that includes a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) liaison and a victim‑advocate coordinator.
- Defense: Renowned white‑collar criminal lawyer David K. Ellis (Ellis & Partners), recently defended a hedge‑fund founder in a similar sex‑trafficking indictment.
- Court‑appointed experts: Two forensic psychologists will evaluate the credibility of victim testimonies and the impact of trauma on recall.
Potential Legal Outcomes
- Conviction on all counts – Maximum sentences could exceed 150 years collectively, though sentencing guidelines often require concurrent terms.
- Plea bargain – Prosecutors may offer a reduced charge (e.g., lesser‑degree sexual exploitation) in exchange for a guilty plea, perhaps saving the court months of trial time.
- Acquittal – Defense may argue insufficient evidence of “force, fraud, or coercion,” a crucial element under 18 U.S.C. § 1591.
Impact on the Luxury real Estate Market
- Investor confidence: Following the indictment, several hedge funds paused investments in Manhattan high‑rise projects pending “due‑diligence reviews.”
- Property values: Listings in the Upper East Side and West Village showed a flat‑to‑slight decline (≈ 2‑3%) in the month after the indictment, according to data from StreetEasy.
- Regulatory scrutiny: NYC’s Department of Buildings announced heightened inspections of “luxury” condominiums that received financing from the Carter Development Group, focusing on compliance with anti‑money‑laundering statutes.
What to Expect in the Trial
- Opening statements: Prosecution will open with a timeline of the alleged trafficking network, using video evidence from surveillance cameras in the Carter’s “Skyline Penthouse.”
- Victim testimony: Eight women are expected to testify,each accompanied by a support advocate.Their statements likely include graphic details, prompting the court to issue protective orders limiting media reporting.
- Financial evidence: Bank records, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency ledgers will illustrate how proceeds from trafficking were funneled into the brothers’ development projects.
- Closing arguments: Defense will focus on the “lack of direct physical control” and argue that the women were “voluntary participants” in a consensual “escort” arrangement—an argument historically weak under modern trafficking jurisprudence.
Practical Tips for Jurors
- stay neutral: Avoid discussing the case with family, friends, or on social media.
- Maintain routine: Follow the court’s schedule for meals and breaks; the court will provide a private waiting area.
- Seek support: if the graphic nature of testimony causes emotional distress, the court offers on‑site counseling services.
- Understand instructions: Pay close attention to the judge’s legal definitions of “force,” “fraud,” and “coercion,” as these differ from everyday usage.
Resources for Victims and the Community
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1‑800‑373‑7888 (available 24/7).
- NYC Victim Assistance Center: Free legal aid, counseling, and safe‑housing referrals.
- Legal Aid Society – Sex Crimes Unit: Pro bono portrayal for trafficking survivors.
- Community outreach: The Coalition Against Trafficking in New York will hold a public forum on January 29, 2026, offering data on how to report suspicious activity and support the trial’s transparency.
Key Dates to Watch
- January 20, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.: Jury selection officially begins (court room 12, southern District of New York).
- February 5, 2026: Estimated start of opening statements.
- March 15, 2026: Projected date for closing arguments, pending continuances.
- April 2026: Sentencing hearing,if conviction is secured.
