White-haired Long Island politician who allegedly beat down rival during government meeting denies charges

Source: New York Post

A white-haired Long Island politician who allegedly socked a political rival during a closed-door government meeting stood stone-faced in court Tuesday as he dodged an order of protection against his colleague. Thomas Lohmann, 68, pleaded not guilty to charges he attacked fellow Smithtown Town Board member Thomas McCarthy, also 68, during an April 7 meeting — with Judge Alonzo Jacobs rejecting a request from the alleged victim for the protective order. “Councilman Lohmann maintains his innocence — the facts will come out at trial,” his attorney Philip Branigan told reporters outside of district court in Central Islip.