On Thursday, July 25, 2024, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Pahrump Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore heard cases for the last time before her suspension from the bench was scheduled to begin.
Fiore had been indicted on federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges related to funds raised for a fallen officer memorial. According to prosecutors, Fiore spent the money on personal expenses instead, including her daughter’s wedding. Fiore pleaded not guilty and defended her political record.
Fiore’s suspension started at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. The commission’s decision called for the suspension of any judge who is indicted on felony charges, as required by Nevada state law.
On her final day hearing cases, Fiore addressed several traffic violations and incarcerated defendants awaiting charges. “It will be my last session until I win this case with the corrupt U.S. attorney’s office,” she told the court during a break in hearings. One defendant told Fiore “We still love you” in response.
Fiore proceeded with her usual duties, closing some traffic cases and giving minor violations. In one custody case where charges had not been filed, Fiore questioned the prosecutor’s argument to impose a prior sentence and declined to jail the defendant without active charges. Before leaving the bench, Fiore said she aimed to be the “fairest judge” in Nye County but would no longer be presiding after this hearing.
Justice of the Peace Kirk Vitto was assigned to handle Fiore’s caseload going forward. However, public defender Kelley Blatnik expressed concern about backlogs violating defendants’ constitutional rights, as the court normally has two judges. Some cases involving prior prosecutions by Vitto may also require reassignment. The process for managing Fiore’s suspended caseload remains unclear.
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal
