Date:27/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/27/stories/2007102754161500.htm

National

Indian-origin designer pleads not guilty

Silicon Valley: India-born celebrity fashion designer Anand Jon on Friday pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually assaulting around 20 women, including aspiring models.

The designer, who earlier this year was on Newsweek’s list of people to watch in 2007, is being held without bail. He made a brief appearance in Los Angeles court.

Jon faces 59 indictments that include forcible rape, lewd acts upon a child, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was first arrested by the Beverly Hills police on March 6.

He allegedly targeted females between the age of 14 and 27. His attorney said the women who made the allegations were involved in collusion against the designer. — PTI