CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — Melissa Fireside, a Clackamas County Commissioner, has been indicted on eight counts of theft, including aggravated theft in the first degree and identity theft, according to Attorney General Dan Rayfield. The charges stem from allegations that Fireside exploited an 83-year-old man, accessed a computer network without authorization, and forged signatures as part of a financial scheme.
“It does not matter who you are, which political party you’re in, or what position you hold,” said Rayfield. “We will aggressively prosecute those who victimize Oregon’s seniors.”
The indictment follows a months-long investigation led by the Lake Oswego Police Department and the Criminal Justice Division of the Oregon Department of Justice. District Attorney John Wentworth requested the involvement of the Oregon DOJ due to a conflict of interest arising from Fireside’s election as a commissioner.
Fireside, a small business owner who campaigned for Position 4 on the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners during the 2024 election, won with 51.74% of the vote. Her campaign platform focused on issues such as job creation, funding public health departments, enhancing the livability of rural areas, and increasing housing development.
When news of her indictment broke, Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts issued a statement expressing concern. “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,” Roberts said.
Fireside, who has taken a leave of absence from her position, faces serious charges, including aggravated theft in the first degree, theft in the first degree, two counts of identity theft, two counts of computer crime, and two counts of forgery in the first degree. If convicted, she could face significant prison time, with sentences of up to ten years for aggravated theft and up to five years for each of the other charges under Oregon’s felony sentencing guidelines.
Fireside was arraigned at the Clackamas County Courthouse and was released under the condition that she has no contact with the elderly victim or Oregon State Representative April Dobson, who may be connected to the case. Her next court appearance is scheduled for a status check.
An indictment is a formal document charging a defendant with a crime and does not imply guilt. The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
