The Suffolk Libertarian Party has asked for a state or local investigation of Larry Zacarese, who is waging a Republican primary for county sheriff, saying he is breaking the state elections law because he is illegally fundraising for himself.

Michael McDermott, the local party leader, said that under state Election Law, Zacarese, as a deputy chief of the Stony Brook University Police, is barred from undertaking personal fundraising, but that he has used his campaign website and attended fundraisers to raise money.

The Libertarian candidate for sheriff in November is Peter Krauss, who unsuccessfully tried to wage a GOP primary.

Zacarese said McDermott was misreading the law: “The very spirit of the statute directly relates to using one’s official power or authority in an unlawful manner. At no time did I ever act or give the impression that I was acting in my official capacity as a state employee or law enforcement officer.”

“This is just a late in the game spurious allegation and smear tactic by the Libertarian party on behalf of Peter Krauss . . . .”