'Stalking' Brooklyn Community Board Manager Extends Leave Of Absence

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn community board district manager accused of stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend has extended his leave of absence from the board through August 23rd, according to an email from the board's chair.

Craig Hammerman took a voluntary 60-day medical leave of absence from the board in early May following two arrests and was not restricted from working as his case, brought by the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, makes its way through the courts. This new extension of his leave was "signed off by his physician," the email said.

He had been due to return to work this week.

He will be back in court on August 7. Hammerman has turned down a plea deal that would have seen him admit to a lesser violation, maintaining he is innocent on all charges.

Hammerman is the only paid member of Community Board 6, a volunteer panel that advises the city on issues such as liquor licenses, zoning and parks in Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus and Park Slope. He made $111,547 in 2016, city records show, and has been in that position for more than 20 years.

He was arrested in early April after he allegedly used his girlfriend's Uber account to follow her to a Bed-Stuy hotel. He also called the front desk to try and reach her, first pretending to be a family member and then an Uber driver, according to a complaint filed by the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.

A few days later, he was arrested again after violating a restraining order the ex-girlfriend took out against him, the D.A.'s office said. He sat down next to her at a Park Slope bar and said he had been following her for her "safety," according to the D.A.'s office.

Hammerman's attorney has said that it was actually she who followed him to the bar, which he regularly goes to.

The email sent by CB6 chair Sayar Lonail said that Hammerman requested the extension.

"Rest assured that the Board staff has been up to the task thus far and I trust their abilities to continue to handle the day to day business in the manner that we have come to expect here at Brooklyn Community Board 6," Lonial said.

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

Image: Patch file photo