Anand Jon says sex cases have left him broke

[March 19, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Fashion designer and convicted rapist Anand Jon Alexander says his legal bills have exhausted his fortune, but Manhattan prosecutors aren't so sure.

Prosecutors on Wednesday questioned whether Alexander needs two court-appointed, state-paid lawyers to fight charges of sexually molesting a dozen women in New York.

Assistant District Attorney Maxine Rosenthal noted that the former designer of $700 jeans paid for lawyers to defend him against similar charges in California. He was convicted and sentenced to 59 years to life in prison there.

Defense lawyer Adam Freedman said the California case took "the vast majority" of Alexander's money.

Alexander -- known professionally as Anand Jon -- maintains his innocence in both cases.

[Associated Press]

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