Designer Anand Jon was convicted on sixteen counts of rape, possession of child pornography, and other sex charges in Los Angeles Superior Court today. Jon was seen as a rising talent in the industry, made a guest appearance on America’s Next Top Model, and dressed Paris Hilton and Janet Jackson before he was arrested in 2007. The criminal acts took place between 2001 and 2007, and his accusers were nine aspiring models from 14 to 21 years old. Prosecutors argued the 34-year-old designer enticed the ladies to L.A. with promises of modeling work, attacked them, and kept a “brag list” of the incidents. Jon’s defense team argued the nine aspiring models “hoped to use Jon’s status for their own gain and then turned on him when they didn’t succeed,” WWD reports. A sentencing hearing will take place on January 13. The maximum is life in prison.
Designer Anand Jon Convicted of Rape [WWD]
Designer Anand Jon guilty of sex abuse on models [Reuters]
