Rape charges: Designer Anand Jon convicted

A 12-member jury at the Los Angeles Superior Court convicted fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander, 34, for sexually assaulting seven women.

The six men and six women jury found him guilty of 16 of 23 counts, which includes forcible rape and committing a lewd act on a child. He was acquitted of four counts.

There was no unanimity about the remaining three counts among the jurors. Judge David Wesley declared a mistrial on those charges.

The jury took almost two weeks to arrive at a conclusion. The delay and the division among jurors came to public attention also, creating an impression that Jon might get out of jail or at least escape with a lesser punishment. Now, Jon faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 13.

Defense Attorney Leonard Levine has vowed to appeal the verdict.

Jon was arrested in March last year after a woman complained to the Beverly Hill Police. More women came forward to accuse the designer, who was a judge for the TV show, America's Next Top Model. He also worked with celebrities like Paris Hilton.

The prosecution initially charged him assault of 20 women with 59 counts. But later some of the charges were dropped.

The defense argued that these women were out to take revenge on Jon. They also produced evidences that these women interacted with Jon for long after the alleged assaults.

But the jury did not go with the defense and convicted Jon.