'Stalking' Community Board Manager Could Return To Work As Case Continues

COBBLE HILL, BROOKLYN — A Brooklyn community board manager charged with stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend could return to work next week despite the case against him remaining unresolved.

Craig Hammerman took a 60-day leave of absence from his post as Community Board 6's district manager in early May following two arrests for stalking and violating a restraining order.

Since then, he has turned down a plea deal with prosecutors from the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office that would have had him admit to a violation but have more serious accusations conditionally discharged. He is due back in court next month.

Hammerman's 60-day leave of absence was announced at a meeting of the community board on May 10. With his case still unresolved, he could be back in his post on Monday.

Community Board 6 is a voluntary panel that advises the city on issues such as liquor licenses and bike lanes in Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus and Park Slope.

As district manager, Hammerman is the only paid member of the board. He made $111,547 in 2016, city records show, and has been in that position for more than 20 years.

Sayar Lonial, the board's chair, told Patch on Thursday that he had no update on Hammerman's status and doesn't plan to address it at Thursday's executive committee meeting.

Joyce David, Hammerman's attorney, also said she did not have an update.

Hammerman posted on Facebook in June that he was "heading to the desert for a month" to get away. David said he was not back yet and she hadn't had a chance to speak with him about his employment status. Hammerman and David have denied all charges brought against him.

Before he left for that trip, Hammerman posted some cryptic messages on his Facebook page, including a picture of his desk at CB6's district office in Cobble Hill with the message "#seeyousoon."

PREVIOUSLY:

• Brooklyn Community Board Manager Used Ex's Uber Account To Stalk, Harass Her: DA
• Community Board Manager Remains In Post After Stalking Allegations
• 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
• Brooklyn Community Board ‘Considering’ Action Against District Manager Charged With Stalking Ex
• ‘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

Image: Patch file photo