PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Clackamas County Commissioner Melissa Fireside was indicted last month in connection with the theft of thousands of dollars as well as identity theft and forgery, according to court documents.
The charges were first reported by The Oregonian/Oregonlive.
Fireside is accused of using a computer device to commit theft against the elderly man on at least two separate occasions last September to the tune of more than $15,000 combined, according to court documents.
Prosecutors also accused Fireside of identity theft, allegedly forging an 83-year-old man’s signature and the signature of Oregon State Rep. April Dobson on a promissory note for $29,000 in the same month.
Fireside was elected in November as the Clackamas County Commissioner, beating out controversial former commissioner Mark Shull.
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According to the court documents, Fireside faces eight charges including first-degree aggravated theft, first-degree theft, two counts of computer crime, two counts of identity theft and two counts of first-degree forgery.
Fireside was arraigned in a Clackamas County court on Wednesday, the Oregon Department of Justice said in a press release. She was released on the condition that she have no contact with the elderly victim or Dobson.
“It does not matter who you are, which political party you’re in or what position you hold, we will aggressively prosecute those who victimize Oregon’s seniors,” said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield in a statement.
The charges are the culmination of a months-long investigation by the Lake Oswego Police Department and the Criminal Justice Division of the ODOJ, the AG’s office said.
“When someone in a position of public trust takes advantage of our seniors, it is a betrayal on multiple levels,” Rayfield said.
Fellow Clackamas County Commissioner Ben West weighed in on the situation. He told KOIN 6 News that the public trust is in the balance when incidents like this happen.
“At the end of the day, we’re tasked with doing good public service and good work, and we have to have the trust of the public to do that. And right now, this hangs like a dark cloud over the county,” West said.
West said he finds the allegations unacceptable.
“I personally have no tolerance for anybody who would take advantage of a vulnerable senior citizen with cognitive issues and severe health issues and be-and be predatory in trying to steal significant funding that they need to survive and live,” he said.
Fireside’s next court appearance will be on April 28.
Oregon State Rep. April Dobson sent KOIN 6 News the following statement regarding the case:
“Last summer, Melissa Fireside came to me as a friend looking for temporary relief for her personal business. My instinct was to support a single mother of a young child during a tough time.
“I drew up a contract which explicitly stated she would repay the loan within one month, and she did so. In November I was contacted by law enforcement who informed me there was an issue with the source of the money Melissa Fireside used to pay me back. I did not hesitate to share all the information I had to help the detectives with their investigation. I have not been in contact with Melissa since learning about her alleged crimes.
“We have so much work ahead of us in Clackamas County, and our residents deserve leaders they can trust. I believe Melissa Fireside’s actions are unacceptable for an elected official and call on her to resign immediately.”
Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts issued the following statement on Fireside’s indictment:
“The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners has been informed that Commissioner Melissa Fireside has been indicted by a Clackamas County Grand Jury. Commissioner Fireside has notified me of her decision to take a leave of absence, effective immediately.
“As Chair of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, I want to express that I am deeply concerned by the indictment of Commissioner Fireside. This is a serious matter, and the Board remains committed to maintaining the trust and confidence that the people of Clackamas County have placed in us while continuing to fulfill our responsibilities to them.
“Under Oregon law, the Board does not have the authority to remove an elected commissioner. However, I want to assure everyone that the Board is committed to reviewing all available options within its legal authority to uphold the trust of Clackamas County voters and address their concerns.”
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