Crime & Safety

New York Times Highlights Latest in Hossu Rape Case, Defamation Suit

“I don’t know of any similar case where a sitting prosecutor has been so involved in a criminal defendant’s defense. To me it’s bizarre.”

That's what Bennett L. Gershman, a professor at Pace Law School and an expert on prosecutorial ethics, told The New York Times in a story by Joseph Berger about the feud between Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy and Sheriff Donald B. Smith.

Berger's report highlights the latest in the case against Alex Hossu, the man accused of raping a 13-year-old girl.

Hossu is an illegal immigrant from Romania who has worked in the area as a personal trainer and is a friend of Levy's. The two have known each other for years, and Hossu stayed at the DA's Indian Wells Road home many times.

In August, months after charges were filed against Hossu and Levy recused himself from the case, the DA announced he was filing a $5 defamation lawsuit against Smith. He spoke to reporters then about the suit and explained his relationship with Hossu

According to the Times story, Justice Lewis J. Lubell is deciding the fate of the defamation suit following a recent court session. The report also notes that Levy has financially contributed to Hossu's defense.

The defense is now being carried out by Daniel T. Mentzer, Levy's brother-in-law, several media outlets have reported. The Westchester County District Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case against Hossu.

Click here to read the New York Times story.


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