A trusted community leader now faces felony charges after investigators uncovered alleged financial abuse at a small-town museum, according to WHAM.
Prosecutors say the president of the Clarendon Historical Society stole more than $50,000 from the group over nearly five years. Authorities later identified the suspect as Melissa Ierlan, 59, of Clarendon, accusing her of using society funds for personal expenses.
Investigators also allege Ierlan falsified records to try to collect more than $100,000 from a deceased person’s life insurance policy. New York State Police arrested her Dec. 30. Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard said she returns to court Feb. 9.
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