A former Nassau County resident is challenging a decision that denied him a pistol license, alleging constitutional violations and reputational harm.
Plaintiff Gaetano Capone filed a complaint against the County of Nassau and several county officials, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The complaint concerns Capone's application for a target pistol license, which was denied by the Nassau County Police Department Pistol License Section. The denial cited "lack of good moral character" and "concern for public safety," referencing a previous revocation of Capone’s pistol license in 1996. Capone contends that the revocation was retaliatory and followed critical remarks he made in a private conversation about police conduct.
Capone states that after submitting his application and receiving the denial, he attempted to appeal the decision by submitting a letter and a completed appeal application. He claims he received no response from the Appeals Officer or other involved parties, which he views as a constructive denial.
The complaint also details the circumstances of the 1996 revocation, alleging that Capone was summoned under false pretenses, frisked without consent, and interrogated without being given Miranda warnings. He argues that these actions were retaliatory and that the current denial violates his First and Second Amendment rights, as well as his Fourteenth Amendment right to due process.
Capone seeks compensatory damages totaling $12 million for alleged violations of his constitutional rights, reputational harm, and emotional distress. He also requests punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
The plaintiff is representing himself in this matter. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 2:25-cv-05848-NJC-ARL.