State comptroller: Clarendon Historical Society leader ‘exploited her role to enrich herself’

Press Release, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

CLARENDON – 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.

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by emailing a complaint to investigations@osc.ny.gov or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.