Melissa Ierlan,60, appeared before Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church on Wednesday morning for sentencing. Ierlan was sentenced to four months of weekends in the Orleans County Jail, beginning this weekend, and five years probation. She will pay restitution in the amount of $62,000 to the Clarendon Historical Society.
Ierlan spoke before sentencing, telling the court that what she did was hurtful and she has broken the trust of the community. She said she was responsible for spending money that she was not authorized to spend. She says she spent the money on refreshments and gas for her car but could not tell the court the exact amounts.
Video clip from sentencing/without sound
Judge Church asked Ierlan if she stole the money? She replied, “Yes Sir.”
The Judge also asked if she was telling the community through social media if she was falsely accused? Ierlan says she was not emailing or having contact with many people in the community as she says she is embarrassed over what happened. The Judge then asked if her family was aware of what happened, she said they were aware of her situation.
Her attorney, George Muscato, says he will be mailing a check to the Clarendon Historical Society today in the amount of $40,000. Ierlan will pay back the remaining $22,000 and make payments of $1,000 per month beginning in October.
Ierlan pleaded guilty to grand larceny 4th degree, a class E felony/ stolen property exceeds $1,000 in June. An order of protection was issued for a witness and will be in effect for 3 years.
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 questioned whether the victim in the case, the Clarendon Historical Society, was okay with the restitution amount. DA Howard confirmed that they were in agreement on the amount.
Previously: