From emerge to submerge
The other shoe dropped today in the wild case down in Clackistan, where a newly elected county commissioner has been indicted on some pretty appalling charges. According to the Weed –
State prosecutors have charged newly seated Clackamas County Commissioner Melissa Fireside with eight counts of felony theft, saying she forged the signature of a state lawmaker and defrauded an 83-year-old man of at least $74,000.
The Oregon Department of Justice says the alleged fraud occurred last September, when Fireside, a Democrat, was campaigning to unseat former County Commissioner Mark Shull, a Republican. An indictment says she defrauded Arthur Wayne Petrone of at least $74,000 and forged the signature of state Rep. April Dobson (D-Happy Valley)....
Asked by WW for a comment, Dobson issued the following statement:
"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," Dobson continued. "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...."
Fascinating. What Fireside did, the details of which aren't clear, must have been pretty bad. After all, she's a member of the Class of 2019 of "Emerge Oregon," the training ground for Democratic Party candidates of the female persuasion. You'd think that folks like that might get a pass unless they either buck the system or do something particularly heinous. She's getting Shemia Fagan-ed, and then some.
Here's Fireside, top row, third from the right. And that's Dobson, bottom row, second from the right. Some of the old guy's money may have flowed downhill.
Interesting photos…the reality of a court appearance can be jarring. I wonder if she will cop a plea to try to avoid jail. Too bad we don’t get to see the mug shot.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to predict, she’ll plead out and we’ll never know exactly what went on. But once she realizes her political career is over, maybe she’ll force a trial, which would be highly entertaining. Her legislator pal is already playing full-court defense.
DeletePay is frozen while on “leave”. Calls for her resignation from the Board and members of the public. No way to force her out apparently.
DeleteShe faces 10 years in prison if convicted.
It’s amazing what happens when you’ve got real journalists looking for corruption.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who worked for Aging Services last century, there is a special place in hell for those who engage in elder financial fraud. Hope she sits in prison for a few years.
ReplyDelete