Celebrity Designer Accused of Sexual Assault

Anand Jon Alexander, fashion designer to the stars, pleaded not guilty to 13 new charges of sexual assault on Tuesday. Alexander, who has dressed such celebrities as Mary J. Blige and Paris Hilton and has made several appearances on Tyra Banks's reality show America's Next Top Model, has been accused of meeting women over the Internet, luring them to him on the basis of modeling opportunities, and then assaulting them when they showed up. In March, Alexander was arrested at his Beverly Hills apartment after being accused of rape. Since then, he has been accused of rape or sexual assault by 18 females ranging in age from 14 to 27. He now faces more than 40 felony and misdemeanor counts of sexual assault that include rape, sexual battery, and committing a lewd act on a child. If convicted the designer could face life in prison.Alexander's attorney, Danny Davis, attributes the allegations to "gossip among young models" that has "gone a little wild", as well as a "common, unifying source" encouraging the women to come forward with accusations. His defense contends that the alleged victims are trying to gain publicity and fame by accusing the designer.Although his original bail was set at $1.3 million, it may be raised to $2.3 million because of the additional 13 charges that have surfaced.Information from AOL News was used in this article.