In a dramatic development, federal prosecutors have intensified their case against the Alexander brothers by accusing two of them of sexually abusing a woman who was reportedly unable to give consent. This comes just weeks before a federal jury is set to hear allegations of a sprawling sex trafficking operation spanning two decades.

This latest charge involves twin brothers Oren and Alon Alexander, who are alleged to have committed the assault in January 2012 on a cruise ship sailing under the Bahamian flag that embarked and returned to the United States. This update is part of a broader indictment as the three brothers remain detained, awaiting trial in New York.

The charge represents a significant escalation in a case that has grown more complex since the brothers’ initial arrest in December 2024. The prosecutors have introduced multiple superseding indictments as the proceedings edge closer to trial.

Oren, Alon, and their older brother Tal Alexander face accusations of a decade-long conspiracy involving drugging and sexually assaulting women in various locations such as Miami, New York, and the Hamptons. The brothers have consistently denied these allegations.

Earlier, during a bond hearing at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in Miami on December 13, 2024, Oren and Alon Alexander were seen consulting with their attorney, Joel Denaro, following charges of sex trafficking and rape, among other state and federal crimes. (Photo by Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald via AP, Pool)

According to earlier court documents, the Alexander brothers and their alleged accomplices purportedly enticed women with promises of luxurious travel, accommodations, and entry to exclusive social events. The filings accuse them of subsequently incapacitating and assaulting these women, with some incidents allegedly involving multiple perpetrators. The case also includes allegations concerning additional victims, notably at least one minor.

Tal and Oren Alexander are prominent luxury real estate brokers who co-founded the firm Official after rising through the ranks at Douglas Elliman. Their brother Alon Alexander worked in the family’s private security business. Prosecutors have alleged the brothers used their wealth, industry status and access to exclusive events to attract women to trips, parties and dates before the alleged assaults occurred.

Defense attorneys for Oren and Alon Alexander have moved to dismiss the new charge, arguing the indictment is legally flawed because it does not allege the brothers knowingly engaged in sex with a woman they knew was physically incapacitated, according to amNY.

A display showing images of Alon, Oren and Tal Alexander prior to a news conference in New York Dec. 11, 2024.  (Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“This is a fatal flaw requiring dismissal of the indictment,” the attorneys wrote in a joint court filing cited by amNY, arguing prosecutors are improperly charging the same alleged January 2012 incident under different statutes.

During a court appearance, Zach Intrater, an attorney for Oren Alexander, criticized the timing of the new charge, telling the judge, “These men’s lives depend on this,” according to amNY. 

Judge Valerie Caproni rejected that argument, responding, “These are all serious charges,” the outlet reported.

Prosecutors acknowledged in court filings that the word “knowingly” was omitted from the indictment and said they intend to seek another superseding indictment to correct the issue, amNY reported.

Real estate brokers Tal Alexander and Oren Alexander at their home in Miami Beach Feb. 1, 2019.  (Patrick Farrell/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Caproni has also ruled on several other pretrial disputes, including a dispute over whether some alleged victims can testify anonymously, a request she granted over defense objections, according to amNY. Prosecutors have said the trial could stretch into late February or early March.

Court records show the brothers are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City, with jury selection scheduled to begin Jan. 20 and the trial scheduled to start Jan. 26.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Alexanders’ attorneys for comment. 

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.