Jury Finds Friend Of Putnam County DA Not Guilty On Child Rape Charges
CARMEL, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A close friend of the Putnam County district attorney who is the son of TV's Judge Judy has been acquitted of child rape.
A Putnam County jury found Alexandru Hossu not guilty Thursday on each of four counts. He was arrested on child rape charges in March 2013.
The case led to allegations of improper interference by District Attorney Adam Levy.
Levy recused himself from the case, saying Hossu was a close friend and frequent houseguest. But he helped pay for Hossu's defense and the county sheriff claimed Levy had interfered with the prosecution. The prosecutor on the case also complained to the judge.
No charges were filed against Levy.
Levy's mother, Judy Sheindlin, the star of "Judge Judy,'' publicly supported her son.
Hossu, a 36-year-old Romanian immigrant in the U.S. illegally, was charged with raping the 13-year-old daughter of his former girlfriend in October 2010.
The alleged rape occurred in Southeast, but not at Levy's home, authorities said.
According to authorities, Hossu has overstayed his temporary work visa, which expired 13 years ago.
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