MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County District Attorney Jim Farrell announced on September 29 that the incident involving Judge Frank LaBuda and his brother Peter Labuda (who does not capitalized the “b” in his last name) will be investigated by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

The two brothers own adjoining property in the Town of Mamakating. On September 25 Frank was reportedly riding an ATV on Peter’s property, and Peter claims that when he declined to let Frank pass, Frank gunned the motor and ran him down. Frank said that it was an accident.

Peter ended up in the hospital with a broken leg and broken ribs.

Farrell said in a press release that he made the decision to ask the state attorney general to investigate within 48 hours of the incident.

He said, “While I believe that my office could have fairly and impartially handled this matter, out of an abundance of caution and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, I have requested that the Attorney General take over this case. All of the people involved in this incident, Peter Labuda, Frank LaBuda and the citizens of this county deserve a full, fair and independent evaluation of the facts of this case.

“The Attorney General and the New York State Police will conduct an investigation. The Attorney General will have the power to prosecute any indictable offenses resulting out of this incident and have full prosecutorial powers on all matters related to this incident pursuant to Executive Law Section 63,” Farrell said.

The Sullivan County Sherriff’s Office initially investigated the incident, and Farrell said that office has been asked to preserve any evidence gathered.

“I am confident that the Attorney General and State Police will conduct a thorough, comprehensive and professional review that will instill public confidence in the result, whatever it may be,” Farrell said.