Nevada Republican Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges Relating to Misuse of Funds
LAS VEGAS — A Nevada Republican, Michele Fiore, who previously ran for state treasurer in 2022, entered a not guilty plea on Monday to two new federal charges. This brings the total charges against her to seven, including accusations of wire fraud and conspiracy involving funds intended for a statue honoring a fallen police officer, which she allegedly diverted for personal expenses, including her daughter’s wedding.
Fiore, a former state Assembly member and Las Vegas City Council member, is currently suspended with pay from her position as a justice of the peace in rural Pahrump. Each of the new counts carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison. Fiore had earlier pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment on July 17.
Invoking her right to a speedy trial, Fiore’s defense attorney indicated that jury selection is set to begin on September 24. Federal prosecutors expressed confidence that the trial could conclude by the second week of October.
Neither Fiore nor her attorney provided comments to the media following the court proceedings, although they were accompanied by Sigal Chattah, an attorney and conservative activist who herself previously ran for the state attorney general position.
Chattah is also involved in legal proceedings against several Nevada Republican party members accused of falsely declaring Donald Trump as the winner of Nevada’s 2020 presidential election. A state judge dismissed this case based on venue challenges, a decision currently under appeal to the state Supreme Court.
Fiore, 54, is recognized for her controversial political stance, notably her strong support for gun ownership and her ties to states’ rights advocate Cliven Bundy during armed confrontations with federal officers in Nevada and Oregon.
After losing her campaign for state treasurer, Fiore was appointed as a judge in Nye County in 2022 and was subsequently elected in June to fulfill the term of a deceased judge. Pahrump, where she serves, is located approximately an hour’s drive west of Las Vegas. Fiore previously served in the state Legislature from 2012 to 2016 and gained media attention for her public displays supporting gun rights during her tenure.
