Moccia comments on Simms case

Make no bones about it, Norwalk’s mayor is not soft on domestic violence cases. Mayor Richard A. Moccia said today that recent reports of him characterizing domestic violence as “a family matter” misrepresent his position.

The comments stem from the arrest of Councilman Travis Simms following an argument with his brother on Sunday. Both the Councilman and his twin brother Tarvis were arrested by the Norwalk Police and charged with multiple counts including assault. Because the fight was between family members, Lt. Paul Resnick of the NPD said the case meets the statutory definition of “domestic violence” and is subject to special handling.

“Domestic violence cases are the most difficult ones to deal with in the courts and in families,” said Moccia. “They are never easy.”

The cases affect the entire family, he said, and it is those family members who deserve respect and privacy. In the Simms case, the mayor noted that Travis’s 10-year-old daughter was injured in the melee and he is concerned for her welfare and privacy.

“And it greatly disturbs me that a gun was involved,” he said.

Simms’ next court appearance is scheduled for May 12 in Norwalk Superior Court. Though some have called for the Councilman’s resignation, Moccia said he would wait to see the results of the court proceedings.

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