New York, Oct 14 (IANS) A New York judge has dismissed some charges against Indian-American fashion designer Anand Jon, who is accused of rape and sexual abuse against several women including minors.

The dismissals came at the recommendation of the district attorney's office, which will continue prosecuting Jon for the remaining alleged casting couch assaults, including forcible rape, on nine other accusers, many of them young fashion models, the New York Post reported.

Jon returns to Manhattan Supreme Court Dec 8 to set a trial date.

The disgraced designer, whose Indian-inspired frocks have been worn by Paris Hilton, Oprah Winfrey, Janet Jackson and Rosario Dawson, meanwhile continues serving a mandatory life sentence after his conviction on a slew of similar charges in California.

Jon is appealing his conviction there on 16 counts of sex abuse, including forcible rape, involving women and girls aged 14 to 16.

"Anand Jon continues to insist he is innocent," said his New York lawyer, Adam Freedman. The dismissed Manhattan charges involved women "who knew him longest", Freedman said.
    
       
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