Arrested Community Board Head Gave Cash To Influential Officials During Stalking Review

COBBLE HILL, BROOKLYN — A Brooklyn community board district manager charged with harassing an ex-girlfriend has donated hundreds of dollars to officials who could influence decisions about his future as a public servant.

Public campaign finance records show Craig Hammerman has given cash to two city councilmen and a mayoral candidate since he was accused of the crime. Hammerman, the long-time district manager of Community Board 6, has been on a voluntary leave of absence, citing medial concerns, since May 10. He was first arrested on April 2. His case, brought by the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, appears to be headed to trial.

While the board is "reviewing" his situation, including looking at whether he should keep his job, Hammerman has made donations to officials who could exert influence, indirectly or directly, over that decision-making, a Patch review of of the funding records found.

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On May 11, the day after his leave was announced, he gave $175 to City Councilman Carlos Menchaca whose district includes Red Hook, a CB6 neighborhood. Later in the summer, he gave $250 to City Councilman Brad Lander, whose district overlaps with the board in Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus and Park Slope.

In early August, Hammerman gave $250 to Richard Bashner, a Park Slope attorney and long-shot mayoral candidate who is also a member of CB6 and sits on its closed-door finance, personnel and law committee – which would need to have a vote on any move to oust Hammerman.

As district manager, Hammerman is the only paid member of CB6, a city-sanctioned volunteer panel that advises the city and state on neighborhood issues such as landmarking, land-use and liquor licenses.

The donations don't exactly constitute a windfall of cash for the candidates — the two city councilmembers each have more than $100,000 on hand — and he is not breaking any rules by giving. But they do raise questions, given the timing and recipients.

A spokesman for Menchaca's campaign told Patch that the councilman will make a donation in the same amount to charity.

Hammerman's attorney, Joyce David, did not return a phone message left by Patch about the donations.

City Councilmembers appoint a handful of board members themselves and otherwise play no formal role in the board's matters. A councilmember such as Lander, though, who is popular in his district and with board members, could exert some influence on decision-making if he wanted.

Lander has largely stayed quiet during Hammerman's arrest and leave and has not spoken about it. His office declined to comment on this story.

Bashner, the board member and mayor candidate, did not return a phone message left by Patch, and CB6 Chair Sayar Lonial did not immediately return an email inquiry about the donations.

We'll update this story if we hear back.

PREVIOUSLY:

• Brooklyn Community Board Manager Used Ex's Uber Account To Stalk, Harass Her: DA
• City Law Department, Community Board 6 'Reviewing' District Manager Charged With Stalking Ex
• District Manager Hid Arrests From Community Board Members For A Year, They Say
• Community Board Manager Will Take Leave Of Absence While Stalking Review Continues: Source
• ‘Stalking' Head Of Brooklyn Community Board Leaves Weird Online Trail Ahead Of Court Date
• Brooklyn Community Leader Turns Down Deal In Stalking Case, Attorney Says
• Embattled Community Board Manager Extends Leave Of Absence Again

Image: Patch file photo