Luxury Real Estate Moguls Seek Dismissal of Sexual Battery Charges
The Alexander brothers, prominent figures in luxury real estate, along with their associate, are fighting against sexual battery charges stemming from an alleged incident in South Florida. Their legal team is working to have the charges dismissed in connection with claims of gang rape, with significant attention on the handling and preservation of critical evidence.
Charges Overview
In December, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office charged Ohad Fisherman, Alon, and Oren Alexander with one count of sexual battery by multiple perpetrators. The allegations arose from an incident on New Year’s Eve 2016, when a 25-year-old woman claimed she was pinned down in an apartment in Miami Beach. Additionally, Oren Alexander faces charges related to separate incidents involving three other women.
Evidence Complications
On Friday, defense attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the charges based on claims that vital evidence—specifically a video related to the alleged assault—was "lost, destroyed, or never preserved." The victim indicated that she felt she was recorded during the incident, particularly noting that Alon Alexander’s phone appeared to be set up to record.
- Key Points from the Motion:
- The victim reported Alon’s phone was "propped up" and subsequently scrolled through, suggesting potential footage of the encounter.
- Defense attorneys argue that investigators failed to retrieve this footage from the brothers’ phones.
The defense claims that this lack of investigation was intentional, suggesting that the State Attorney’s Office prioritized media attention over a thorough investigation. They allege, “The State wanted headlines, not hard evidence,” criticizing what they consider a rush to arrest that compromised the integrity of law enforcement.
Allegations of Manipulation
The victim asserted that she was invited over for a barbeque by Alon, yet upon arrival, there was no gathering. Defense attorneys suggest that preserved phone evidence could challenge the victim’s narrative, potentially showing that she intended to meet for a consensual encounter.
Claims of Violation of Rights
The defense argues that the missing evidence jeopardizes the trio’s constitutional rights, creating an unbalanced trial environment. They have emphasized the prosecution’s failure to preserve crucial evidence as a mitigating factor in their plea for dismissal.
New Evidence Emerges
In a recent update, NBC6 revealed that videos and pictures obtained by prosecutors included footage of the victim at a Justin Bieber concert shortly after the alleged assault. This footage supposedly shows the victim celebrating with friends, raising questions about her claims of trauma.
- Defense Response:
- The defense has demanded a full extraction of the victim’s phone and that of her friends to bolster their case.
- They argue that the demeanor displayed in the concert footage contradicts the claims of assault.
Perspectives on the Incident
Jeffrey Sloman, Fisherman’s attorney, remarked, "Somebody who is allegedly raped was so unconcerned about what happened that she went to the Justin Bieber concert.” However, Assistant State Attorney Natalie Synder countered, stating that the victim was coerced into attending the event by her sisters, underscoring the complexity of her emotional state following the incident.
Trial Updates and Future Proceedings
The trial for Fisherman was originally scheduled for this month but is now likely to be delayed. Meanwhile, the Alexander brothers’ state trial is on hold due to their pending federal trial for sex trafficking, scheduled for January 2026.
- Current Custody Status:
- Alon and Oren Alexander, along with their older brother Tal, remain in federal custody in New York.
- Fisherman is currently free on bond in South Florida.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the allegations against them. The upcoming hearing regarding the motion to dismiss the charges may take place by the end of this month, with the trial in the spotlight for further developments.
For ongoing updates on this case and insights into the legal complexities, stay tuned to reputable news sources.
For more extensive coverage on related legal matters, refer to the Miami Herald and NBC6 Miami.