What's up with old(er) men luring women to their lair then raping them?
This just in!
Fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander, 35, was sentenced yesterday to 59 years to life in prison for raping 13 aspiring models in Los Angeles.
He was convicted last November of 14 counts including forcible rape and possession of child pornography. He was found not guilty of four felonies, and jurors could not reach a verdict on three counts.
Prosecutors said Anand often found girls and women, who ranged from 14 to 27, online, baited them with promises of photo shoots and other modeling work, only to fondle or rape them at his Beverly Hills apartment. The assaults happened between 2001 and 2007.
"The lesson is that often young women or young girls may have dreams they hope to follow," said Deputy District Attorney Mara McIlvain. "But I think the Internet is one of those horrible places now where they come across people they don't know or understand."
Anand has appeared on "America's Next Top Model" and has worked with Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige.
Defense attorneys argued many of women were lying about what happened to them and sought revenge against Alexander when they didn't get modeling jobs. His lawyers said some of the women didn’t have sex with Anand or, if they did, it was consensual. Defense lawyers said some of the accusers stayed in touch with their client — and even lived in his apartment — after they were allegedly attacked.
He also faces similar charges in New York and Texas, prosecutors said.
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