Anand Jon indicted on sex charges

NEW YORK: An Indian born celebrity fashion designer, already in police custody on sex charges in Los Angeles, has been indicted in New York on charges of rape and sexual assault of nine women.

Anand Jon Alexander, who has worked with several celebrities, was charged with rape, aggravated sexual abuse and related crimes. Several of the alleged victims came to Alexander looking for modelling or other job opportunities.

A judge in California had set a bail for $2.1 million, but the New York District attorney has sent an arrest warrant seeking his continued detention even if he posts the bail, the prosecutors said.

Alexander has denied the charges in Los Angeles, but a media report quoting his attorneys said they have not seen the New York indictment as yet.

A Los Angeles County grand jury had indicted Alexander in September on 54 felony and five misdemeanour charges, prosecutors said.

Alexander had worked with Paris and Nicky Hilton, Mary J Blige and other celebrities.