Former Nevada Assembly and Las Vegas City Council member Michele Fiore has been suspended from hearing court cases after being indicted on federal charges related to misusing funds raised for a statue of a slain Las Vegas police officer. Fiore, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer in 2022, pleaded not guilty to five counts of wire fraud and conspiracy.
The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline suspended Fiore after she continued to hear cases in Pahrump Justice Court following her indictment. Fiore claimed in a statement that she is being targeted by the FBI and federal prosecutors due to her support of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy during armed standoffs in 2014 and 2016.
Prosecutors allege that Fiore solicited contributions for a statue of slain officer Alyn Beck, but instead used the funds for personal expenses, her daughter’s wedding, and political campaign costs. Despite the charges she is facing, Fiore is set to stand trial on September 26.
Fiore served in the state Legislature from 2012 to 2016 and was a city councilwoman in Las Vegas from 2017 to 2022 before moving to Pahrump. The commission is required by law to suspend judges with pay if they face felony charges, and Fiore was paid $90,233 in 2023. The case highlights the alleged misuse of public funds and the legal consequences for public officials who engage in such activities.
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