Defence shocked with Anand Jon’s guilty verdict

Los Angeles, Nov 19: The verdict of Indian-born fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander’s case has left the defence shocked with disbelief.On Nov 13, a jury ruled that Jon lured women and girls as young as 14 to Los Angeles with promises of modelling jobs and stays at luxury hotels that were rarely fulfilled.

The 34-year-old designer, who has worked with celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Mary J Blige, was convicted of counts, including forcible rape and a lewd act upon a child, reports Indiapost.com However, the verdict has left the defence stunned, keeping in mind that on the eve of trial the prosecution dropped over 50 percent of their case. As the trial unfolded and each witness impeached (proven to be lying), it led the defence to wonder if the girls on the stand lied so much, how badly would those that were dropped. During trial, the prosecution dropped another two counts. The verdict forced Richard Bernard, defence technical consultant, to wonder if he was watching the same trial as the jurors. Jon faces as much as life in prison when he is sentenced. ANI