Melissa Ierlan walking into Orleans County Court on Friday surrounded by family and friends
Melissa Ierlan, 59, appeared before Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church on Friday morning and accepted a plea deal in the case of stolen funds at the Clarendon Historical Society over a period of five years.
Ierlan pleaded guilty to grand larceny 4th degree, a class E felony/ stolen property exceeds $1,000. When she is sentenced on August 26th, she could face up to 364 days in jail, up to 5 years of probation, a conditional discharge, paying restitution of $62,000(amount may be subject to a hearing before sentencing), and an order of protection will be issued at sentencing for a witness.
According to the felony complaint, between December 16, 2020, and September 27, 2025, Ierlan, acting as President and Financial Controller of the Clarendon Historical Society, stole more than $50,000 in Society funds which was used for personal gain.
According to DA Susan Howard, the amount of $62,000 in restitution was negotiated with the NYS Comptroller’s office as they initially asked for restitution of $70,000. Judge Church then questioned whether the victim in the case, the Clarendon Historical Society, was okay with the restitution amount.
DA Howard responded that the Clarendon Historical Society is in the process of reorganizing and currently there isn’t a Clarendon Historical Society.
The Clarendon Historical Society installed interim officers at the end of April.
Judge Church requested to see documentation in regard to restitution and stated there may need to be a hearing before sentencing on the amount of restitution to be paid.
The additional charge of falsifying meeting minutes in 2023 was dropped. In the felony complaint, Ierlan allegedly falsified meeting minutes in order to collect a $102,752 life insurance policy from a deceased community member, part of which was allegedly used for personal gain. The larceny amount was calculated as a result of a forensic audit conducted by the Office of the State Comptroller.
In court on Friday morning, Judge Church asked Ierlan, “Did you steal money form the Clarendon Historical Society?”
Ierlan responded, yes.
Judge Church then asked, “How much did you steal? ” And then rephrased his question, “What action did you take to steal money?”
Ierlan responded, “I withdrew cash from the bank over 5 years.”
Judge Church then asked if she had authority to take the monies from the bank. Ierlan said no.
Ierlan was released on her own recognizance as she awaits sentencing on August 26th, 2026
Previously:
ORLEANS COUNTY/Clarendon/Plea deal offered in Ierlan case – Video News Service
Press release
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Orleans County District Attorney Susan M. Howard and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James today announced that the former president of the Clarendon Historical Society pleaded guilty to a felony for stealing over $62,000 from the non-profit. Melissa M. Ierlan, 59, of Holley, will pay $62,000 in restitution. She also previously held positions as the town historian, the code inspector for the Town of Clarendon and the code enforcer for the towns of Byron and Murray.
The Clarendon Historical Society, which receives town funding, operates and manages two buildings as a museum, housing local artifacts and displays.
“Ierlan exploited her role in preserving the town’s rich history to instead enrich herself,” DiNapoli said. “As part of her plea agreement, she now has to return the money she stole. My thanks to D.A. Howard and the New York State Police for their partnership on this case.”
“We will not tolerate the conduct of those who use their position to steal money meant to enrich the community and the lives of others. It is disreputable for any entrusted individual to take advantage of others, especially in this manner. The State Police will continue to assist the Comptroller’s Office and Orleans County District Attorney’s Office in investigating and apprehending anyone willing to engage in dishonest acts,” James said.
A joint investigation by DiNapoli’s office and the New York State Police determined that Ierlan, who had been president and financial controller from 2020-2025, had unchecked control of the society’s accounts, which enabled her to embezzle more than $62,000 from July 2020 to September 2025. Ierlan made numerous personal purchases and payments with the society’s debit card and checkbook, withdrew thousands of dollars in cash in person at the bank branch and at the ATM. She also made payments to her personal credit card with society funds.
Ierlan also fraudulently reimbursed herself for the purchase of a fiberglass ox statue for the “Oxen of Orleans” Public Art Project. Ierlan purchased the ox with her own personal funds and was reimbursed by the Town of Clarendon with federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. She then issued herself a second reimbursement with society funds. Ierlan also used society funds to purchase a shipping container for personal use, deposited society donations into her personal bank account, and transferred society funds to a deceased relative’s estate account of which she was the executor.
Ierlan pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree before Judge Sanford Church in Orleans County Court. Her sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26.
Something stinks in the town of Clarendon and the county of Orleans….I’m confident the true culprit in this crime has not yet been identified. How does the townspeople elect Fred, her husband, to run for Town Superintendent in spite of Melissa’s legal troubles? I’ll tell ya how, they don’t believe a word of it…that’s how!! And they spoke volumes to that point by turning out at the polls for Fred and showing up for Melissa today. Mark my words, this is far from over…can someone say internal audit with the installation of the new regime?! I am so looking forward to what will be found. There’s way more to this story than is being told…give me a shovel Fred, I’m ready to dig!!!
Huh I wonder who it could be and if like Melissa they work in multiple municipalities. Regardless, it’s never too early to award digging into municipal data. You can always send off a FOIL or two to your town clerk and see what comes back – and what doesn’t. You never know what you’ll find.
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