A woke, BLM-supporting Portland-area Democrat County Commissioner resigned on Friday after being indicted on 8 felony counts of theft, establish theft, and forgery.
Clackamas County Commissioner Melissa Hearth was charged with 8 felony counts of forgery and establish theft associated to stealing tens of hundreds of {dollars} from an 83-year-old man.
Melissa Hearth was elected in November 2024. The alleged crimes happened in September 2024.
“The defendant, on or between September 17, 2024 and September 26, 2024, in Clackamas County, Oregon, did unlawfully and knowingly commit theft of cash, of the entire worth of $10,000 or extra, the property of Arthur Wayne Petrone,” the indictment learn.
Melissa Hearth stole a further $5,000 from Arthur Wayne Petrone, based on the charging paperwork.
“The defendant, on or between September 19, 2024 and September 26, 2024, in Clackamas County, Oregon, in a separate and distinct legal episode from counts 1 and a pair of above, did unlawfully and knowingly commit theft of cash, of the entire worth of $1,000 or extra, the property of Arthur Wayne Petrone. The State additional alleges that the property stolen had a worth of $5,000 or extra,” the indictment learn.
Based on the indictment, Melissa Hearth used solid signatures to wire promissory notes for $30,000.
Excerpt from KOIN:
A Clackamas County commissioner accused of theft and forgery earlier this week has stepped down from her place after a fellow chief referred to as for her to resign.
In an announcement issued, Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts personally requested Commissioner Melissa Hearth’s departure. Officers introduced she submitted her resignation letter on Friday, efficient instantly.
“I acknowledge that for a lot of, this choice shouldn’t be quickly sufficient, and I understand how troublesome and upsetting this example has been for our neighborhood, and I wish to thanks for making your voices heard,” Roberts stated in an announcement. “The Board stays dedicated to fulfilling our tasks to you and guaranteeing that the enterprise of Clackamas County continues to maneuver ahead.”
The county administrator has already began looking for a brand new commissioner with an internet site that outlines the hiring course of. Roberts stated the neighborhood will stay knowledgeable all through the method, as “public involvement is essential.”
Hearth was elected as commissioner in November, changing former county chief Mark Shull. Though the allegations towards Hearth have been publicized simply this week, she was indicted for first-degree aggravated theft, first-degree theft, two counts of laptop crime, two counts of identification theft and two counts of first-degree forgery on Feb. 28.