PLEASE SUPPORT W42ST
W42ST runs on limited resources to keep Hell’s Kitchen connected, updated and upbeat. Access is totally free. Please consider supporting what we do so that we can continue our work!
A New York man has been indicted for kidnapping, rape and sex trafficking, following a harrowing incident involving an 18-year-old woman who was taken from outside Covenant House in Hell’s Kitchen in Spring 2021.
Alex Jean, 36, faces a litany of charges for his alleged crimes, which include two counts of Kidnapping in the First Degree, three counts of Rape in the First Degree and one count of Sex Trafficking, among others.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the allegations as “horrific,” noting that they highlight a calculated attempt to exploit a vulnerable young woman. “The alleged actions in this case are horrific and illustrate a deliberate attempt to prey on a young woman who was already vulnerable to exploitation,” said DA Bragg. “Our youth who are at risk of trafficking deserve support and care, and we will continue to vigorously investigate and disrupt these types of abhorrent trafficking schemes.” The District Attorney urged anyone with information about similar criminal activities to contact the dedicated help line at (212) 335-3400.
According to court documents, on April 19, 2021, Jean and a co-conspirator approached the young woman outside Covenant House, a non-profit that supports young people experiencing homelessness and trafficking, located at 10th Avenue and W41st Street. Over the next two days, Jean took her to an apartment building on East 132nd Street, where he repeatedly raped her. The she was then brought to a Brooklyn hotel, where she was trafficked and assaulted by other men who were brought to the room. Jean also attempted to create a Backpage account for the victim, a site known for escort and adult services.
Jean was ultimately extradited from Florida, where he had fled when he learned that law enforcement was searching for him. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant DA Marcella Lupski, with support from various Human Trafficking Unit personnel.
The full charge sheet for Jean is:
Kidnapping in the First Degree, a class A-I felony, two counts
Rape in the First Degree, a class B felony, three counts
Sex Trafficking, a class B-violent felony, five counts
Attempt to Commit the Crime of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony, one count
Officials noted that the charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.