Politics & Government
Building Inspector: Clock Tower Suite Was Being Used as Living Space
Alexandru Ionut Hossu, an accused rapist, once lived with Putnam's head prosecutor. The latter says Hossu was residing in a Southeast business complex when he was arrested on rape charges.
A Southeast town official believes the office suite the Putnam District Attorney identified as the residence of an accused rapist—whose address is listed as the DA's home—is being used as a living space.
Southeast Building Inspector Michael Levine paid a visit to 221 Clock Tower Commons Drive earlier this week. That's where DA Adam Levy said Alexandru Ionut Hossu, who is charged with raping a 12-year-old girl, lives.
Prior to that, Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith identified 70 Indian Wells Road, Levy's address, as Hossu's home. Levy and Smith have engaged in a back-and-forth since news of the arrest broke.
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A notice of code violation and an order to remedy the situation at suite 221 was in the works Tuesday, Levine told Patch. He said the space "is occupied as a residence" without approval for that use.
Levine would not provide details as to what he saw during the inspection, but said he would be back in two weeks to check if the living quarters were still in existence.
Find out what's happening in Southeast-Brewsterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
No one answered the door at the suite Wednesday afternoon. No business name was listed on the sign in the center of the complex, which is home to a range of businesses, including a bank, a dance studio, a restaurant and several professional establishments.
This LoHud.com story by Terence Corcoran states that owner Harold Lepler, of Covington Development, gave Hossu the OK to start a business in the suite. The news agency previously reported that Hossu once worked at Green Chimneys.
Hossu, a 35-year-old fitness trainer allegedly here as an illegal immigrant, lived at Levy's home for a period of time, but not in the last six months. He appeared in Southeast Justice Court Tuesday and was remanded back to jail. He is due in court again in May.
A report in the Putnam County News & Recorder includes perspective from County Executive MaryEllen Odell, who is reportedly calling for the Sheriff's Office to "step aside." The Westchester County district attorney's office is prosecuting the case. Levy's office is not involved.
Levy is the son of television personality Judge Judy. He is serving his second term as DA.
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