Judge Judy’s Son Sues Local Sheriff For Interference

Judge Judy’s prosecutor son, has sued the local sheriff for $5 million Wednesday for allegedly interfering in a child rape case.

Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy says county sheriff Donald Smith “maliciously attempted to destroy his reputation”.

Sheriff Smith fired back saying that the suit is conveniently timed with his re-election campaign, calling it “blatantly political” and denies the defamation charges.

The dispute is related to a child rape case against Alexandru Hossu, who was Levy’s former personal trainer. In the court paper filed, Levy calls him a personal friend who visited his family at home frequently in 2011 and 2012.

In March Levy recused himself from the case as soon as he realized Hossu was the focus of the investigation.

However, Smith alleges that Levy had “ongoing and inappropriate” involvement with the case. He alleges that Levy was trying to influence the investigation.

Sheriff Smith released a statement in March saying Judge Judy’s son “comments and actions would seem to suggest that, if he could have his own way, Mr. Hossu would never have been brought to justice for his crime and Mr. Levy’s relationship with him would never have been brought to the light of public scrutiny.”

The two also argued about the address for Hossu, Smith says that Levy’s address was listed in court papers. The lawsuit shows Hossu lived at a different address.

Hossu, who is a Romanian immigrant, is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl. He pleaded not guilty and his defense lawyers have moved to dismiss the case.

Not only has the district attorney’s office recused itself, so have Putnam County Judges. The case is being handled by a Judge and prosecutors in neighboring Westchester County.

Levy’s mother Judy Sheindlin is the retired Family Court Judge known by television viewers as Judge Judy. She issued a statement on Wednesday calling her son “principled, honorable, and dedicated.”

[Image via lev radin / Shutterstock.com]