Adam Levy, Judge Judy's son, is suing Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith for $5 million in a defamation lawsuit. This lawsuit is the latest move between Levy, a Putnam County district attorney, and this Sheriff in a very public feud, between two local officials.
Smith allegedly made defaming comments about Levy's involvement with his personal trainer, Alexandru Hossu, who was accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2010. Smith claimed Levy had an "ongoing and improper involvement" in the child rape case against Hossu, an immigrant from Romania and a friend of the family.
Back in March, the sheriff issued a news release saying, "Mr. Levy's 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."
In response, Levy said Smith is "an out-of-control sheriff who does not care about the truth." He added that the sheriff "maliciously attempted to destroy" his reputation.
The sheriff denied defaming Levy. He also said the timing of the lawsuit was "blatantly political" and implied it was intended to damage his re-election campaign.
"The fact that the plaintiff has engaged a high-priced public relations firm, issued a press release about the lawsuit and held a press conference, all before even serving me the court papers, makes it clear to me and any casual observer that his motives are all about smearing me and trying to adversely affect the upcoming Sheriff's election," said Smith.
True to form, Judge Judy Sheindlin did not mince words in supporting her son. "Adam Levy is a principled, honorable and dedicated public servant," she said. "When someone attacks his character professionally or personally they best be prepared to back it up. Shut up, or pay up."
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