Anand Jon's Defense Team Ponders New Trial
Sentencing for designer Anand Jon Alexander, which was to have taken place on Jan. 13, has been postponed, as his attorneys consider filing a motion for a new trial.
Alexander, who goes by Anand Jon in the trade, was convicted on Nov. 13 of 16 counts of sexual assault against seven female victims, some of whom were under the age of 18. He was also convicted of raping one of the victims.
Since his conviction, new evidence has surfaced that his attorneys feel is strong enough to warrant a new trial. Among the developments is the fact that Alexander passed a post-trial polygraph test administered by a third party. The questions involved his actions with one of the victims, who is known as “Jessie B.”
Lie-detector tests are generally not admissible as evidence, but in some cases, the tests are admissible if both sides agree to allow them.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dave Wesley set a hearing date of Jan. 29 to receive information regarding the pending motion.
Frances Young of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office said Alexander could face up to life in prison and would not be eligible for parole for 67 years. Alexander is 34 years old.
During the trial, the victims testified that Alexander contacted them mostly via the Internet and online vehicles such asMySpace, luring them with ideas of working as models for his supposed growing fashion empire. According to testimony, the victims would meet with Alexander at his Beverly Hills apartment, where most of the assaults took place.
Jon was initially arrested in March 2007 after a woman reported that Alexander had raped her during an appointment at his apartment to be fitted for some jeans to be worn at Alexander’s debut at Los Angeles Fashion Week. —Robert McAllister
