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Fashion designer Anand Jon found guilty of rape in US

by Sanjay Jha | November 13, 2008 at 11:05 pm

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The Beverly Hills fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander was found guilty on Thursday of sexually assaulting seven girls and young women whom he lured with promises of modelling careers. Regarded as an up-and-coming US designer, he was arrested in March 2007 after a woman told Beverly Hills police that he had raped her the day before. His sister Sanjana Jon has always maintained her brother's innocent and said that he has been framed up by irate models & businss rivals.

After nearly two weeks of deliberation, a jury found Anand Jon Alexander, once featured on "America's Next Top Model," guilty of 14 felonies, including forcible rape, and two misdemeanours. Authorities said his victims ranged in age from 14 to 21.

The 34-year-old designer faces a mandatory life sentence because the jury found he had committed multiple forceful acts against multiple victims. He must serve 67 years before he is eligible for parole, meaning he will probably spend the rest of his life in prison.

Several people in the courtroom gasped as the verdicts were read, but Alexander showed no emotion. The 34-year-old designer wore a light gray suit and yellow tie, his black hair pulled back in a ponytail. He nodded grimly toward supporters before he was led away by sheriff's deputies.

He is under indictment in New York on similar charges involving nine women and is under investigation by authorities in Texas and Massachusetts.