Putnam County DA's Former Live-In Trainer Charged With Raping Child

CARMEL, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Putnam County's District Attorney has recused himself from a child rape investigation because he knows the suspect.

Alexandru Hossu, 35, is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl on two occasions on the same day in October, 2010, according to Putnam County Sheriff's Capt. William McNamara. Hossu was arrested Wednesday night, according to authorities.

"The case came to the attention of authorities only recently after the victim reported the alleged rape to a school counselor. The victim, who is now 15, and the defendant reportedly knew each other," McNamara told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond.

Hossu, an illegal immigrant, was working as Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy's live-in personal trainer. Levy's office said Hossu had been living in Levy's home until about six months ago, according to the Journal News.

The alleged rape occurred in Southeast, but not at Levy's home, Diamond reported. Authorities said the victim is not Levy's 15-year-old daughter.

According to authorities, Hossu is a Romanian national who has overstayed his temporary work visa, which expired 12 years ago.

"This was a vicious crime committed against a little girl," McNamara said.

Hossu was arraigned in Patterson Town Court on two counts of rape and was being held in Putnam County jail.

Levy is the son of TV's Judge Judy Sheindlin. His office had no comment on the case, which is being handled by the Westchester County district attorney.

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