On Saturday, July 20, 2024, AP News reported that Michele Fiore, a judge in Pahrump, Nevada, pleaded not guilty to federal wire fraud charges in a Las Vegas court.
According to the report, Fiore is accused of using funds intended for a statue memorializing a slain police officer for her 2022 campaign for state treasurer and personal expenses such as her daughter’s wedding. The charges include four felony counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
Fiore made a brief court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts on Friday, where she entered a not guilty plea. The judge allowed Fiore to remain free without bond as she awaits her trial scheduled for September 26. After the arraignment, Fiore gave a prepared statement to reporters but declined to answer questions about the charges or her role as a Pahrump justice of the peace, which hears criminal and traffic cases and small claims.
Fiore has had a controversial political career in Nevada. She served one term in the state assembly from 2012 to 2016 and owned a firearms training business. Fiore attracted national attention in 2014 and 2016 for supporting armed militia standoffs against the federal government involving rancher Cliven Bundy. She later served one term on the Las Vegas City Council from 2017 to 2022 before moving to Pahrump.
In 2022, Fiore ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer as a Republican. After losing that race, she was appointed as a judge in Pahrump by county officials. Fiore was then elected in June to complete the remaining term of a judge who had passed away.
However, she now faces felony fraud charges and potential discipline from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Conduct regarding this case. Fiore has claimed she wants a speedy trial to clear her name.
Source: AP News
