Clackamas County, OR — Newly-elected Clackamas County Commissioner, Melissa Fireside, has been indicted on eight felony charges, including aggravated theft, identity theft, and forgery, in connection with a series of crimes involving an 83-year-old man. The indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, reveals that Fireside is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from Arthur Wayne Petrone, a vulnerable senior citizen, between September 2024 and January 2025.
Prosecutors allege that Fireside gained unauthorized access to Petrone’s computer network and forged the signature of Oregon State Representative April Dobson, a Democrat who represents Milwaukie, North Clackamas, and Happy Valley. The charges come after a months-long investigation by the Lake Oswego Police Department.
According to Rep. Dobson, Fireside initially approached her in the summer of 2024, claiming to be in a financial crisis and seeking temporary relief for her personal business. Dobson, a longtime acquaintance of Fireside, agreed to assist, drafting a contract for a loan that required Fireside to repay the money within one month. Dobson confirmed that the loan was repaid, but she was later contacted by law enforcement in November regarding the source of the funds Fireside used to settle the debt.
“I was shocked and disappointed to learn about the source of the money Fireside used to repay me,” Dobson said in a statement. “I agreed to support her during a difficult time, but her actions were unacceptable, especially for an elected official.”
Fireside was arraigned on Wednesday at Clackamas County Circuit Court. Her attorney declined to comment on the charges. The indictment raises significant questions about Fireside’s future as a public official, as Clackamas County Board Chair Craig Roberts stated that while the board does not have the legal authority to remove a commissioner, they are reviewing available options to ensure the trust of voters is upheld.
Fireside, 43, was elected to the county’s governing board in November 2024, ousting controversial incumbent Mark Shull. Following the indictment, she announced an immediate leave of absence from her duties.
The case has been referred to the Oregon Department of Justice due to a conflict of interest, and Attorney General Dan Rayfield emphasized the importance of ensuring equal enforcement of the law, particularly when vulnerable individuals are involved. “Our society depends on the equal enforcement of our laws, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable people,” Rayfield said.
Dobson has publicly called for Fireside’s resignation, describing her actions as a betrayal of the trust placed in her by voters. “Elected officials are held to a higher standard, and what has been alleged here is inexcusable,” Dobson added.
The indictment has cast a shadow over Fireside’s political career, as the Clackamas County Board continues to review the situation. The case also serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting seniors from exploitation and abuse.
