Nevada GOP Figure Convicted in Police Statue Fund Misuse Case
Former Las Vegas councilwoman Michele Fiore found guilty of fraud for misusing funds meant for a fallen officer's statue. Conviction includes six counts of wire fraud and one conspiracy charge.
Michele Fiore, a prominent Nevada Republican figure, has been found guilty of misusing funds intended for a statue honoring a fallen police officer. The verdict, delivered by a jury in U.S. District Court in Nevada, includes six counts of federal wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Fiore, 54, faced accusations of diverting over $70,000 raised for a memorial statue of a Las Vegas police officer killed in the line of duty in 2014. Prosecutors alleged that instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, Fiore spent the money on personal expenses, including plastic surgery, rent, and her daughter's wedding.
Federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar stated, "Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets." The conviction comes after a weeklong trial that concluded recently.
Each count carries a potential 20-year prison sentence. Fiore, who currently holds the position of justice of the peace in Pahrump, Nevada, has been suspended without pay pending her sentencing, scheduled for January 6, 2025. She will remain free until then.
Michele Fiore's political career has been marked by controversy. She served in the Nevada Assembly from 2012 to 2016, representing Clark County District 4. During her tenure, she gained national attention for her outspoken support of gun rights and a controversial Christmas card featuring her family holding firearms.
Following her time in the state legislature, Fiore was elected to the Las Vegas City Council in 2017, serving until 2022. She unsuccessfully ran for state treasurer in 2022, shortly before being appointed as a judge in Nye County despite lacking a law degree.
"The FBI's investigation was sloppy."
This statement was made by Fiore's attorney, Michael Sanft, who has indicated that his client will appeal the conviction. The FBI's involvement in the case dates back to 2021 when agents subpoenaed records and searched Fiore's home in northwest Las Vegas in connection with her campaign spending.
Throughout her political career, Fiore has been involved in various controversies and faced multiple ethics complaints. She has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and was present at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, though she claims she did not enter the building.
Fiore's conviction raises questions about her future in politics and her current position as a justice of the peace. The case also highlights the importance of accountability in handling funds raised for public memorials and charitable causes.
As the legal process continues, this case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities public figures bear and the consequences of misusing public trust. The sentencing in January 2025 will likely bring further attention to this high-profile case and its implications for Nevada politics.
