Judge Judy’s son, Adam B. Levy, the district attorney for Putnam County, New York, is suing the county sheriff.

Levy says county Sheriff Donald Smith “maliciously attempted to destroy” his reputation during a child rape case involving Levy’s former personal trainer. He also said Smith is “an out-of-control sheriff who does not care about the truth.”

The sheriff denies the accusation, implying the timing was intended to damage the sheriff’s re-election campaign and that it was “blatantly political.”

In March, Levy’s trainer, Alexandru Hossu, was arrested and charged in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl back in 2010. Levy said he recused himself from the case once he knew Hossu was under investigation.

Here’s where Levy found an issue with Sheriff Smith. The sheriff said Levy had “ongoing and improper involvement” in the case and that he was “apparently trying to influence and affect the investigation.” In a news release in March, the sheriff 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.”

Putnam County judges have also recused themselves from the case, causing it to be moved to Westchester County. Hossu has plead not guilty.

Levy’s mother, Judy Sheindlin, more commonly known as “Judge Judy”, is a retired Family Court judge. In a statement released Wednesday, she said her son was “principled, honorable and dedicated.” She added, “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.”

In the lawsuit filed by Levy, he listed Sheriff Smith as an individual, not a county employee, which should mean county tax payers won’t be liable, according to Levy’s lawyer, Michael Sussman.