In Alexander brothers trial, first witness testifies to being sexually assaulted

The first witness in the federal sex trafficking trial of three brothers, two of whom are high-end real estate brokers, testified Tuesday that a party at actor Zac Efron’s apartment preceded a rape at the brothers’ home, where she was allegedly taunted by one of her attackers.

Witness Testimony Details Alleged Assault

The woman, identified in court as Katie Moore, is one of several alleged victims expected to testify against Tal, Oren and Alon Alexander, who are accused of drugging and raping women and girls over several years. Lawyers for the brothers maintain the sexual encounters were consensual.

Moore testified she was 20 years old and an anthropology student when she met two of the brothers at a party at Efron’s New York apartment in 2012. She accompanied a friend who had recently met Tal Alexander and was invited to watch the final game of the 2012 NBA Finals. She stated she had limited interaction with Efron, who is not accused of any wrongdoing.

At Efron’s apartment, Moore said she was offered alcohol and consumed the drug Molly with Tal Alexander and her friend. She described feeling “jitteriness” after taking the drug for the first time.

Following the game, Moore went to an afterparty at a Manhattan nightclub where she said she was given a drink and has little recollection of events until waking up naked in an apartment with Alon Alexander, also naked, standing over her. She testified she repeatedly attempted to get up, but he pushed her back down, to which she responded, “I don’t want to have sex with you.”

Moore recalled Alon Alexander responding, “Haha, you already did,” while laughing at her. She testified he then sexually assaulted her. During the assault, Tal Alexander briefly entered the room but did not intervene, appearing “super nonchalant,” according to Moore.

Prosecutors and Defense Present Opening Arguments

Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Smyser, in her opening statement, alleged the Alexander brothers “masqueraded as party boys when really they were predators” and described them as “partners in crime,” engaging in “woman after woman, rape after rape.” Smyser asserted the brothers used “whatever means necessary,” including luxury accommodations, flights, drugs, and alcohol, to facilitate the assaults.

Oren Alexander’s attorney, Teny Geragos, urged the jury to reject the prosecution’s claims, arguing the brothers were simply successful and ambitious young men navigating “hookup culture” in their early 20s. “That it is not trafficking, that is dating,” Geragos stated.

Deanna Paul, representing Tal Alexander, cautioned jurors about the disturbing nature of the testimony and warned against portraying the brothers as “monsters.” She described Tal and his brothers as “party boys” and “womanizers” who had numerous sexual encounters.

Background on the Accused

Oren and Tal Alexander are real estate dealers specializing in high-end properties in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Alon Alexander graduated from New York Law School and ran the family’s private security firm. Tal is 39 years old, while Alon and Oren, twins, are 38.

An indictment alleges the brothers conspired to lure women to destinations like the Hamptons with flights and luxury hotel rooms. They have been held without bail since their December 2024 arrest in Miami.

Moore testified Tuesday that she fled the room after Alon Alexander fell asleep. She remained composed throughout much of her testimony, becoming emotional when recalling reaching out to friends years after the attack for reassurance and support.