Suffolk Legis. Nicholas Caracappa clashes with forum questioner over justice system

Suffolk County Legis. Nicholas Caracappa told a woman who questioned him at a candidates forum about domestic violence charges he is facing, "You don’t believe in the justice system for white men," but only "for your own kind," according to a video of the exchange.

Caracappa made the remarks to Lisa Sevimli, a Suffolk County resident who said she identifies herself as a Latina, at the forum at the Coram firehouse on Sept. 27.

Caracappa made his comments after Sevimli had asked him repeatedly what would happen to his seat if he were convicted of the criminal charges against him.

Caracappa was arrested in December at his home in Selden on domestic violence-related charges.

He has pleaded not guilty.

The video, which was shot by Sevimli, 53, a controller at a manufacturing company, shows her asking Caracappa, "Now, we know you have been going to court because of an incident that happened with your family in December. What happens, since you’re running for the new position coming this November, and [if] you’re convicted, what happens to your position?"

Caracappa in the video calls the issue a personal matter and says he won't be convicted, according to the video.

Sevimli repeats her question, and after some back and forth, Caracappa says: "Based on the fact that my daughters are here and know exactly what’s going on, and I’m sorry they have to relive this because you don’t believe in the justice system for white men. You only preach justice for your own kind … "

"My own kind?" Sevimli asks, cutting him off.

"Yeah, yeah, Black African Americans," Caracappa responds.

Caracappa, president of Local 393 Utility Workers Union of America, continues: "I have worked hard for … every religion, ethnicity, color of the skin. I'm a labor guy. I fight for everyone … I give back. I’m the victim, and … just because someone made a claim against somebody doesn’t make that person guilty. So please let me have my day in court. And then come back and I’ll accept your apology. That’s all I’m asking for."

Asked to comment Thursday, Caracappa, who is running on the Republican and Conservative party lines against Democrat Dawn Marie Sharrock in the 4th Legislative District, did not comment further about his statements at the candidates event.

He defended his record of working for all people as a labor leader.

"I’m not racist," he told Newsday. "Anyone who knows Nick Caracappa knows that I’m fair, I’m equal, I treat everybody the same."

Caracappa also said the video was "doctored," but declined to detail what was altered or provide a copy of a full video he said he had.

Sevimli provided Newsday with a video containing her full exchange with Caracappa.

Sevimli, who lives on Suffolk's South Shore but declined to have her hometown published because of safety concerns, is a registered Democrat.

Sevimli told Newsday she called on Caracappa to resign at a County Legislature meeting in September and in a conversation with him before the Coram event. Her Facebook page has several posts opposing his candidacy.

Sevimli called Caracappa’s response to her questions at the candidates event "shocking."

She said it showed "he's not going to represent all of Suffolk County or his constituents."

Sharrock, who attended the Sept. 27 event, told Newsday Thursday the video was "absolutely" accurate.

"It most definitely shows accurately exactly what transpired and how he responded and his demeanor," Sharrock said.

"I plan on being in the legislature for many years to come, representing everybody equally," Caracappa said Thursday.

By Rachelle Blidner

rachelle.blidner@newsday.com@rachelleblidner

Rachelle Blidner covers Suffolk County government, politics and breaking news.