Juror Fined for Pursuing Defendant’s Sister

A Los Angeles County juror has been fined $1,000 for trying to start a romance with the sister of the defendant, a celebrity fashion designer on trial for sexual assault.

The juror, Alvin Dymally, told the judge during a rambling statement that “I'm definitely 150 percent sorry,'' according to the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times. He admitted pursuing the sister of Anand Jon Alexander, convicted of rape in November for sexually assaulting aspiring models. The designer had been featured on America’s Next Top Model.

Alexander’s sister, Sanjana, told defense lawyers that Dymally had passed her a note with his phone number at the courthouse cafeteria before the verdict. Dymally was also accused of speaking with Sanjana in two telephone calls.

Judge David Wesley imposed the fine and 120 hours of community service. Dymally is the nephew of a former California legislator.