A Nevada politician has been found guilty of misusing $70,000 designated for a statue honouring a slain police officer for personal expenses. Michele Fiore, a Republican who previously ran for state treasurer, was convicted of six counts of federal wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud after a weeklong trial in U.S. District Court in Nevada.
Fiore, a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and state lawmaker, allegedly used the funds raised for the statue to cover costs including plastic surgery, rent, and her daughter’s wedding. The 54-year-old faces a possible penalty of 20 years in prison for each count. While she has been suspended without pay from her current position as a justice of the peace in Pahrump, Nevada, Fiore will remain free until her sentencing on January 6.
According to federal prosecutors, Fiore capitalised on a tragic event to line her own pockets: “Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets,” said federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar. The investigation into Fiore’s actions began in 2021 when FBI agents searched her home in connection with campaign spending irregularities. Her attorney, Michael Sanft, stated that Fiore plans to appeal the conviction, claiming the FBI’s investigation was flawed.
Despite lacking a law degree, Fiore was appointed as a judge in Nye County in 2022 following an unsuccessful campaign for state treasurer. Pahrump, where she currently serves, is located an hour west of Las Vegas. Fiore made headlines during her time in the state Legislature and as a Las Vegas councilwoman for her pro-gun stance and controversial Christmas card photos featuring firearms.
As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits the final outcome of this troubling misuse of public funds by a public servant.