Opening Statements Begin in Brothers' Sex Trafficking Trial

Opening statements began Tuesday in the federal sex trafficking trial of three brothers in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, where prosecutors accused Oren Alexander, 38, Tal Alexander, 39, and Alon Alexander, 38, of using their wealth and social status to lure dozens of women and girls into assaults over more than a decade.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Smyser described the defendants as partners in a conspiracy that began around 2008, alleging they enticed victims with promises of luxury trips, exclusive parties and celebrity encounters before drugging, intoxicating or using force to carry out rapes. "These three brothers masqueraded as party boys when really they were predators," Smyser told the jury of six men and six women. "The brothers used whatever means necessary, sometimes drugs, sometimes alcohol, sometimes brute force, to carry out their rapes." Prosecutors said the scheme involved at least 12 counts, including sex trafficking, conspiracy and sexual abuse by physical incapacitation, with some victims underage or incapacitated. If convicted on the most serious charges, each brother could face life in prison.

Smyser outlined specific incidents expected to feature in...