LAS VEGAS — A Nevada Republican politician has been convicted of misusing funds intended for a statue honoring a slain police officer. Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and state lawmaker, was found guilty of six counts of federal wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The verdict came after a weeklong trial in U.S. District Court in Nevada.
Each count against Fiore carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Following her conviction, she has been suspended without pay from her position as a justice of the peace in Pahrump, Nevada. Sentencing is scheduled for January 6, and Fiore will remain free until then.
Fiore’s attorney has stated that she intends to appeal the conviction. During the trial, federal prosecutors revealed that Fiore raised over $70,000 for a statue dedicated to a Las Vegas police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2014. Instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, it was reported that she spent the money on personal expenses, including plastic surgery, rent, and her daughter’s wedding.
“Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets,” said a federal prosecutor during the trial.
In 2021, FBI agents initiated an investigation into Fiore’s campaign spending, which included subpoenaing records and searching her home. Her attorney criticized the FBI for conducting a “sloppy” investigation.
Fiore, who does not hold a law degree, was appointed as a judge in Nye County in 2022 after losing her bid for the state treasurer position. She was elected in June to complete the term of a deceased judge. Pahrump is located about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas.
The 54-year-old has a history in state politics, having served in the state Legislature from 2012 to 2016 and making headlines for controversial Christmas card photos featuring firearms with her family. She was a councilwoman in Las Vegas from 2017 to 2022.
