Levy Talks Lawsuit, Calls Sheriff 'Out of Control'

[Original story, posted 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14] Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy held a press conference Wednesday afternoon during which he spoke to reporters for nearly an hour about the lawsuit he's filing against Sheriff Donald B. Smith, his relationship with Alex Hossu, the man accused of rape, and more.

Levy called Smith an "out of control sheriff." He claimed Smith did not call for other victims to come forward after his office arrested Hossu, an illegal immigrant who was living in Southeast, on charges that he raped a 12-year-old girl.

Smith could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

The DA also blamed the sheriff for creating a media "frenzy" and said the latter "could not care less about the safety and welfare of an alleged victim."

"As a former sex crimes prosecutor, it made me sick, absolutely sick," he told reporters, adding that it was important to Smith to link Levy and Hossu.

Levy said the sheriff had other motives besides conducting a thorough investigation when it came to the alleged rape victim.

He noted that Christopher York, the chief assistant district attorney with Levy's office, planned to run for sheriff, as Smith is up for reelection in November.

York has since dropped out of the race.

[Update, posted 6:50 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14] Smith released the following statement to Patch:

"The fact that the plaintiff has engaged a high-priced public relations firm, issued press releases about this 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 outcome of the upcoming Sheriff’s election.

Plain and simple, this lawsuit is politically motivated, is frivolous, without any merit and will be defended vigorously in a court of law.

On primary night 2009, I made a comment that 'something is rotten in Denmark' referring to the political climate and activities of some governmental institutions in Putnam County. I strongly believe what has happened in Putnam County in the past several years has proven that statement to be prophetic.

If there has been a smear campaign in Putnam County over the past many months, it has been against me.

I find the timing of this action blatantly political and obviously intended to try to influence the outcome of an election, just as there have been many other actions from 2009 through today that cause me to repeat my statement that 'something is rotten in Denmark.'

I am a strong believer in the biblical phrase 'then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'

I look forward to the truth finally being revealed to the citizens of this great county.

I am a native of Putnam County. I grew up in Putnam County. I love this county and I will continue to fight for truth, integrity and justice. I have great respect for the people of Putnam County and know that like me, they want the truth to be aired in the sunlight, which is the best disinfectant. I know that the citizens of Putnam County are decent, fair-minded people who love truth and justice just as much as I do."