Local Sheriff Says Putnam District Attorney Is Interfering In Child Rape Case
SOUTHEAST, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York district attorney who is the son of TV's "Judge Judy" is being accused of interfering in a child rape case in which the suspect is his personal trainer.
Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy has recused himself. But the local sheriff said Levy is still trying to influence, and perhaps undermine, the investigation.
Levy said he has acted properly. He said the sheriff's allegations are unfounded.
The two have also argued over whether the suspect lived with Levy and whether Levy's recusal was his own idea.
The rape case is being prosecuted by the Westchester County district attorney. A spokesman would not say whether Levy would be questioned.
Levy's mother, Judy Sheindlin of "Judge Judy," said the investigation should focus on the rape case.
Alexandru Hossu, 35, is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl on two occasions on the same day in October, 2010, according to Putnam County Sheriff's Capt. William McNamara.
Hossu, an illegal immigrant, was working as Levy's live-in personal trainer. Levy's office said Hossu had been living in Levy's home until about six months ago, according to the Journal News.
The alleged rape occurred in Southeast, but not at Levy's home. Authorities said the victim is not Levy's 15-year-old daughter.
According to authorities, Hossu is a Romanian national who has overstayed his temporary work visa, which expired 12 years ago.
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