Judge Judy's son Adam Levy has filed a lawsuit against a local sheriff for $5 million today, claiming that the sheriff said Levy had interfered in a child rape case.
Levy, who is a prosecutor for the Putnam County District, said that Sheriff Donald Smith has "maliciously attempted to destroy" his reputation, according to NBC News. He also said Smith is "an out-of-control sheriff who does not care about the truth."
However, Smith has denied any claims of defamation, saying that the lawsuit was time and ""blatantly political and intended to try to influence the outcome of an election." Smith is currently running for reelection in November.
The lawsuit was filed by Levy in a county court in suburban New York. Smith was not named as a county employee on the suit, but just as an individual.
The child rape case in question was against Alexandru Hossu, the personal trainer for Levy, who had called him a frequent guest of his family and a "close personal friend" last year.
As soon as Levy heard that his friend was under investigation, Levy said he recused himself from the rape case. However, Smith alleged that Levy had an ongoing and "improper involvement" in the case and that he was "apparently trying to influence and affect the investigation."
In a statement released in March, Smith said, "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."
Hossu, 35, is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl. He has pleaded not guilty and judges in Putnam County have recused themselves. The case is now being handled by prosecutors and judges outside of the county.
Judge Judy Sheindlin, the star of "Judge Judy", has issued a statement today regarding her son. "His moral compass is dead center. When someone attacks his character professionally or personally they best be prepared to back it up — shut up — or pay up."
See a video report of Judge Judy's son embroiled in the rape case:
