This file photo taken April 29, 2004, shows fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander in New York.
Fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander was sentenced Monday to 59 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting aspiring models he lured to Los Angeles.
Alexander, 35, showed no reaction as Superior Court Judge David Wesley said Alexander should be incarcerated as long as possible for preying upon young girls and women. Alexander was convicted in November of 14 counts including forcible rape. He was found not guilty of four felonies, and jurors could not reach a verdict on three counts.
"Mr. Alexander has showed no remorse for his actions," the judge said.
The sentencing capped a tumultuous, exhausting post-verdict saga that included allegations of juror tampering by his sister, Sanjana, juror misconduct and Alexander's decision to represent himself. Alexander also lost a bid for a new trial earlier Monday, claiming there was a conspiracy among law enforcement to convict him.
The most striking image came as a bevy of beautiful women who said Alexander sexually assaulted them filled a jury box. The 13 women cried as Wesley recounted some of the crimes and they held hands as the sentence was read. One had mascara running down her face; another shook her head in disgust at Alexander.
Three of the women spoke, each telling a packed courtroom how Alexander had robbed them of their innocence and their formative years.
"I was 14. You took my adolescence, my trust, my dream and completely manipulated them for your sexual desires," said one of the women. The Associated Press, as a matter of policy, does not identify victims of alleged sexual abuse.
"It sickens me that a grown man can do such a thing to a girl," the now 17-year-old girl said. "A girl who was naive and had the belief that all people were good. And you took that to your advantage."
