Former Southampton Conservative leader James Malone won't seek District Court judgeship

Former Southampton Councilman and town Conservative Party leader James Malone, who faces a civil judgment after allegedly locking a contractor in the county clerk's office in 2011, won't run for a District Court judgeship, according to political party leaders.

Islip Republican chairman Frank Tantone said Malone did not screen April 30 with the Republican committee for a District Court position. Malone called to notify Tantone he would not screen, but did not say why, he said.

"I was under the impression he was going to come in and screen," Tantone said. Not screening with Republicans in Islip, where Malone moved, means he won't be considered for that line. "We only consider people who screened," Tantone said.

Malone, a law clerk for state Supreme Court Justice William Condon, had been expected to seek a District Court seat. Neither Malone nor his attorney, William Duffy, immediately responded to requests for comment.

On April 21, state Supreme Court Justice Mark Partnow found Malone liable for claims including false imprisonment and assault in a lawsuit by Anthony Prosano.

Prosano in 2011 filed a lien against Malone's Hampton Bays home for work Prosano did on it. Malone, then deputy Suffolk County clerk, invited Prosano into his office, locked the door and stood in front of it, the complaint said. Prosano recorded the conversation on his phone and introduced it as evidence.

"I'm the deputy county clerk. I can hold you here," Malone told him, according to the lawsuit. "You are [expletive] playing in a pool you don't belong in."

Malone in court motions denied Prosano's allegations. He argued Prosano did substandard work and sued him for libel and slander for the accusations. The judge's order dismissed those claims.

By David M. Schwartz

dschwar1@newsday.comschwartznewsNY

David Schwartz covers environmental issues. A native Long Islander, he's worked at Newsday since 2013.