Marriage Isn't a Free Pass: Judge Rejects Defense in Rape Conspiracy Case

A federal judge has made it clear that marriage and monogamy don't shield someone from serious charges. Judge Valerie E. Caproni recently turned down a request from Alon Alexander, who wanted to use his 2019 engagement and marriage as a defense in his upcoming trial. Alexander, along with his brothers Oren and Tal, is facing conspiracy and other charges related to allegedly drugging and assaulting women. The brothers, who are currently in jail without bail, have pleaded not guilty. Oren and Tal were known for selling luxury real estate in big cities before the charges came to light. The allegations span from 2002 to 2021, with the brothers accused of using their wealth and status to target women.Alon's legal team argued that his engagement and marriage showed he had left behind any involvement in the alleged conspiracy. However, the judge wasn't convinced. She pointed out that Alexander was trying to use his marital status as a way to avoid the charges. The judge also ruled that evidence of his engagement and marriage, including photos and social media posts, couldn't be used in the trial. In her decision, the judge noted that being single or married doesn't define someone's involvement in a criminal conspiracy. She emphasized that many single men engage in consensual relationships without resorting to trafficking or assault. The judge also made it clear that transitioning from single to engaged or married doesn't automatically mean someone has withdrawn from a conspiracy. The trial is set to begin soon in Manhattan, and jury selection is expected to start next week. The judge's ruling sets the stage for a complex legal battle, with the defense and prosecution likely to present very different narratives.