NY Teacher & Husband Accused in Arson & Fraud Case



(Clifton Springs, New York)

An elementary school teacher and former Clifton Springs police officer will appear in Ontario County Court May 17 to answer charges related to two separate fires at the same address, said Ontario County sheriff’s deputies.

According to deputies, Melissa Eagley, 32, and her husband, Steven Eagley Jr., 36, both of Maple Avenue in Palmyra, were formerly charged April 2 as a result of sealed grand jury indictments.

Melissa Eagley was charged with third-degree arson stemming from a fire at her former residence, 31 South St. in Clifton Springs, Oct. 5, 2011, police said. Additionally, she was charged with third-degree grand larceny and third-degree insurance fraud from alleged discrepancies found in documentation relating to a May 14, 2010 fire, also at 31 South St.

Steven Eagley Jr. was charged with third-degree grand larceny and third-degree insurance fraud as a result of the 2010 fire.

Melissa Eagley was relieved of her duties as a special education teacher with the Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District.