Three brothers, Tal, Oren, and Alon Alexander, who were recently convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex trafficking, are accused of paying independent journalists to publish favorable coverage of their trial. The New York Times reported that Daniel Mael and Frank Parlato allegedly accepted payment for sympathetic reporting while the brothers faced federal charges.
Mael and Parlato have denied these allegations. Mael stated that while his reporting was subsidized by the brothers' publicist, Juda Engelmayer, no one dictated his words or exercised editorial influence. He maintained that his coverage was independent and accurate, focusing on presenting information that might challenge the prevailing negative narrative surrounding the case. Engelmayer confirmed offering to subsidize costs to ensure the defense's perspective was heard, noting the extensive and largely negative media coverage preceding the trial.
Parlato, who published articles on his platform suggesting the Alexanders' innocence, also asserted his independence, stating he never spoke to the brothers and that no one reviewed his stories before publication. He claimed his writings were based on court records and his belief in their truth.
The Alexander brothers were convicted in March of conspiracy to commit sex crimes, including with minors. Prosecutors presented evidence that the wealthy trio used their prominence to lure women, often by drugging them, before sexually assaulting them. Eleven women testified at the trial, and prosecutors stated over 70 women came forward with similar accounts.
During their sentencing on October 27, the brothers denied the accusations of drugging, raping, or trafficking anyone but expressed regret for their past behavior. Judge Valerie Caproni sentenced each brother to 30 years in prison, along with 10 years of supervised release and fines. Three victims are currently pursuing civil cases against the trio.