Lafayette law firm employee arrested, suspected of theft from client

LAFAYETTE, Ind. ― Molly Pellam found an uncashed 2022 check for $11,000 in the law office where she worked and cashed it, according to a Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office investigation.

On Wednesday morning, detectives arrested Pellam, 30, of the 3300 block of Comanche Trail in Lafayette, on suspicion of theft. She posted bond and was released from jail less than two hours after she was booked Wednesday morning, according to jail records.

The check Pellam is accused of cashing was from a client of local attorney Earl McCoy, and the client dropped off the check for child support at the law firm's office, McCoy said.

In 2022, McCoy informed the office staff they do not accept child support payments on behalf of clients, McCoy said. He instructed the staff that the man may pay his child support online or at the clerk's office. He also told the staff to call the man and ask him to pick up the uncashed check, McCoy said.

It appears that the man did not pick up the uncashed check, according to the sheriff's office.

McCoy said he had no reason to suspect Pellam of any financial improprieties before the sheriff's investigation, noting that his bank accounts always balanced.

Pellam no longer works at McCoy's office, he said.

"I do think it's important to point out she's presumed innocent at this point," McCoy said of the allegations against Pellam.

McCoy said his understanding is that restitution was made to the former client whose check was cashed.

The prosecutor's office will review the investigation and determine whether formal charges are merited, according to the sheriff's office.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.