On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Raw Story reported that Michele Fiore, a suspended judge known for her association with the MAGA movement, faced significant allegations in a federal wire fraud case. Testimony from Nevada’s Republican Governor Joe Lombardo highlighted the gravity of the accusations against her. Fiore is alleged to have solicited donations intended for a memorial statue honoring slain Las Vegas Metro police officer Alyn Beck, but instead used the funds for personal expenses.

During the proceedings, Governor Lombardo recounted his re-election campaign’s contribution of $5,000 to the memorial fund back in 2019, as reported by the Las Vegas Journal-Review. Lombardo expressed confusion over the line of questioning directed at him, emphasizing his role as both a victim and a witness in the case. His attorney, Michael Sanft, prompted Lombardo with questions that sought to clarify the governor’s political donations and how he managed leftover funds from his campaign for sheriff during his subsequent campaign for governor.

Testimony from FBI forensic accountant Sandra Harris painted a troubling picture of Fiore’s financial dealings. She revealed that shortly after receiving the $5,000 donation from Lombardo’s campaign, the money was deposited into an account controlled by Fiore’s daughter. This account was then used to withdraw funds for money orders, which were utilized to cover rent for Fiore’s residence. Harris detailed additional transactions that followed similar patterns, indicating that funds from other donations were also diverted to pay for Fiore’s personal expenses, including rent and wedding costs for her daughter. The investigation suggested that Fiore frequently lacked sufficient funds in her personal account to meet her financial obligations.

Moreover, sculptor Brian Hanlon testified that he had never received payment for his work on the statue, contradicting Fiore’s claims regarding the funding of the memorial. Hanlon stated that the statue was financed by Olympia Companies, the developer behind a park set to feature the memorial within a planned residential community.

Fiore’s background adds context to her current legal troubles. A former state legislator and Las Vegas mayor pro tem, she was appointed to the Pahrump Justice Court by Nye County commissioners despite lacking a law degree. Fiore first gained national attention in 2014 for her vocal support of rancher Cliven Bundy during an armed confrontation with federal agents. This standoff attracted the involvement of Jared and Amanda Miller, who later killed Officers Beck and Igor Soldo. Although the Millers were initially part of the Bundy protest, they were asked to leave due to their extremist views and illegal possession of firearms.

Fiore’s involvement in a subsequent armed standoff in 2016, which centered around Ammon Bundy and others at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, further solidified her reputation within the political landscape.

 

 

Source: Raw Story