Anand Jon Alexander, American’s Next Top Model designer, was found guilty of 14 felony count in Los Angeles Superior Court. The 34 year old was convicted of luring young women with promises of runway work and then sexually assaulting them. The aspiring models ranged in age from 14 to 21 years of age. He received a sentence of 59 years to life on August 31, 2009.
Serving as his own attorney, Alexander argued for a new trial because of juror and prosecution misconduct plus inadequate defense by his own former attorneys. Judge David Wesley denied the request.
Anand Jon brought his seven victims to L.A. and put them up in luxury hotel accommodations. The charges included forcible rape, lewd acts upon a child and attempted sexual assault. Three counts for unlawful sexual intercourse were dropped by Judge David Wesley after jurors were unable to reach a verdict.
Police started investigating Alexander in 2007. Since that time nine women have come forward in New York with similar allegations. Investigations are also underway in Texas and Massachusetts.
Defense attorney Leonard Levine plans to appeal. His client, originally from India, will have to serve 59 years of a life sentence before he is eligible for parole.
Anand Jon, trained at Parsons School of Design in New York, was featured on America’s Next Top Model and has worked with Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige. Newsweek named him a person to watch.
Photo gallery below.