LOS ANGELES, June 12, 2007 (AFP) - An Indian-born celebrity fashion designer has been charged with 13 more counts of sexual assault as six new victims were added to his rap sheet, Los Angeles justice officials said Tuesday June 12th. Anand Jon Alexander, 33, is now accused of 46 sex crimes against a total of 18 victims aged between 14 and 27, officials said.

Anand Jon - Photo : AFP

Alexander, known in the fashion world as Anand Jon, is to appear in court in Beverly Hills later Tuesday, Los Angeles County Attorney's Office officials said.

The New York-based designer pleaded not guilty on all counts at a hearing in April. The new charges include counts of rape and forcible oral copulation, Los Angeles justice officials said.

Jon is currently free on 1.3 million dollars bail but prosecutors will ask the court to increase bail to 2.3 million, attorney's office spokeswoman Jane Robison said.

Alexander graduated from the prestigious Parsons School of Design and launched his own label at New York Fashion Week in 1999.

He is reported to have dressed celebrities such as Hilton hotel heiresses Paris and Nicky Hilton, Mary J. Blige and Norah Jones.

According to Alexander's website, he is the winner of various fashion awards including a 2002 People's Choice "Best New Designer" prize.