America's Next Top Model Designer is Accused of Rape

Appearing numerous times on America's Next Top Model as a celebrity fashion designer, Anand Jon Alexander, 33, has been charged with sexual assault and rape. His accusers are two women and a 15-year-old girl, authorities said.

Six felonies are being charged. Therefore, this does not look like a first time incident. The six felonies accuse him of several sexual assaults between October 2004 and March 5th. This information comes from a criminal complaint made by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.

On Tuesday, authorities said that Jon was taken and arrested from his apartment in Beverly Hills on March 6 because a woman had accused him of rape. After obtaining additional evidence, the authorities were led to previous possible incidents between Anand and other victims. Lt. Mitch McCann is a spokesman for the Beverly Hills police department and he is investigating the case.

Forcible rape and lewd acts on a child are the charges that have been made against Anand. Prosecutors have also charged a special circumstances allegation of multiple victims. If Anand is found guilty of the above charges, he will face a maximum life sentence in prison. Alexander and his attorney are denying all allegations. Anand's attorney says that his client did nothing illegal with these women.

A 1.3 million bail has been posted for Anand pending a March 19 hearing.

Anand is considered a hip and driven fashion designer. He graduated from the Parson's School of Design in New York City. Soon after, he quickly launched his fashion career. He has had the opportunity to dress many celebrities including Paris Hilton, Michelle Rodriguez and Mary J. Blige. Alexander was named the person to watch this year by Newsweek, and he had planned to come out with a high-end line of jeans and a reality TV show on VH1.

Anand's lawyer stated that Anand met one of his accusers online. She wanted to work with him. He also stated that in a business where you work with a very large amount of women, you are left open to false accusations.

Furthermore, immigration authorities have put a hold on Anand, and after authorities have finished with the prosecution, immigration will take custody. Lori Haley who is a spokesperson for Immigration and Custom's Enforcement said that most holds take place due to a belief that someone is in the country illegally. Anand's lawyer mentioned that Anand has a professional work visa.

AP/Daisey Nguyen, Time "Top Model Designer Accused of Rape" Url(http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1599047,00.html)