The former president of the Clarendon Historical Society has pleaded guilty to a felony for stealing thousands of dollars from the nonprofit.
Melissa Ierlan, 59, of Holley, admitted to embezzling $62,000 between 2020 and 2025, according to the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
A joint investigation by DiNapoli’s office and the New York State Police revealed that Ierlan, who had unchecked control of the society’s accounts, used the society’s debit card and checkbook to make purchases and issue payments. She also withdrew thousands of dollars in cash in person at the bank branch and at the ATM, and made payments to her personal credit card with society funds, DiNapoli’s office says.
In addition, the investigation showed Ierlan used society funds to buy a shipping container for personal use, deposited society donations into her personal bank account and transferred society funds to the estate account of a deceased relative, of which Ierlan was the executor.
As part of the plea agreement, Ierlin is ordered to pay the money back.
“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.”
Ierlan is set to be sentenced on Aug. 26.
Ierlan has also held positions as code inspector and historian for Clarendon, and code enforcer for the towns of Byron and Murray.
The Clarendon Historical Society operates two buildings as a museum, which house and display local artifacts. The organization operates on town funding.