Bonilla Removed from Town Clerk Post

Mark Bonilla has been asked to vacate his post as Hempstead Town Clerk by the end of the business day Thursday after being found guilty on one count of official misconduct in July.

The clerk of Nassau District Court sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this week notifying the governor of Bonilla’s conviction.

Cuomo confirmed in a letter to the Town of Hempstead that the position is officially vacant based upon Bonilla’s conviction, which is a violation of his oath of office.

A town spokesperson confirmed that First Deputy Town Clerk Phil Guarnieri will fill the position upon Bonilla’s departure.

“It is time for the town to move forward, and continue providing excellent services to the public without unnecessary distractions,” Supervisor Kate Murray said in a statement Thursday.

Hempstead Town officials called for Bonilla’s resignation after he was accused in September 2012 of threatening to transfer an employee unless he gave Bonilla personal photographs of a female employee who had accused Bonilla of sexual harassment.

After waiving his right to a jury trial, the 50-year-old town clerk was convicted on July 25 by Judge Sharon Gianelli of one count of official misconduct, a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

Bonilla will be sentenced Sept. 26.