Indian designer Anand Jon sentenced for 59 years in prison

Celebrity Indian-American fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander was on Tuesday sentenced to a minimum of 59 years in prison by a court in Los Angeles for preying upon seven young aspiring models as young as 14 and sexually assaulting them.

Rejecting Jon's motions for a fresh trial, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Wesley announced the judgement, saying there were no new grounds for granting such a motion.

35-year-old Jon, who was acting as his own attorney, showed no reaction as the Judge said he should be incarcerated as long as possible for preying upon young girls and women.

Jon stared ahead blankly as Judge Wesley handed down the hefty sentence and his victims wept in the jury box.

He was convicted in November of 16 counts including rape, sexual battery and performing lewd acts on a child.

Jon was found not guilty of four felonies, and jurors could not reach a verdict on three counts.

"Jon has showed no remorse for his actions," Wesley said. Jon also faces similar charges in New York and Texas where he has been indicted.

Judge Wesley said Jon must serve 14 years in state prison -- before he begins to serve a 45-year-to-life sentence.

He was denied bail while he prepares his appeal. Soon thereafter Jon was immediately remanded to the custody of the state Department of Corrections.

The designer has been featured on the television show "America's Next Top Model" and worked with such celebrities as Paris Hilton and Mary J Blige.