On Friday, October 18, 2024, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Michele Fiore’s attorney argued before the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline for the continuation of her salary while she remains suspended from the Pahrump Justice Court. This hearing follows Fiore’s recent conviction in a federal wire fraud case, which has raised questions about her compensation during her suspension.
Attorney Paola Armeni, appointed to represent Fiore after her trial, stated that they are evaluating potential issues that could support both post-trial motions and an appeal. Armeni indicated intentions to file a motion for a new trial and a motion for acquittal, suggesting that these could possibly overturn the jury’s verdict if the judge agrees with their arguments.
The commission meeting was brief, lasting under ten minutes. Following Armeni’s statement, commission member Karl Armstrong announced that the group would convene privately to deliberate the matter before issuing findings at a later date, as mandated by law.
The hearing was called in response to the commission’s notice of intent to maintain Fiore’s suspension from the bench without pay. Earlier this month, a federal jury found Fiore guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors accused her of misleading donors who believed they were contributing to a statue honoring fallen Metropolitan Police Department officer Alyn Beck. Instead, investigators alleged that Fiore misappropriated the funds for her personal expenses, which included rent, cosmetic surgery, and contributions towards her daughter’s wedding.
Fiore, who previously served as a Las Vegas city councilwoman, was appointed to her judicial position in December 2022 by the Nye County Commission. She subsequently secured a primary election victory for the judgeship in June, shortly before her indictment.
Following her indictment in July, the Judicial Discipline Commission suspended Fiore with pay. Since then, she has reportedly received over $20,900 in salary. Armeni contended that Nevada law provides the commission with the discretion to determine whether to withhold a judge’s salary, arguing that doing so for Fiore would be “premature” until any post-trial motions are resolved or sentencing occurs.
Armeni further claimed that ceasing Fiore’s salary could inflict “unnecessary financial hardship,” which would contradict principles of fairness. Under Nevada law, a judge can be suspended without pay if found guilty of a felony, but if the conviction is later overturned, the judge is entitled to receive their salary for the duration of the suspension.
The commission also holds the authority to remove a judge if it concludes that the judge engaged in “willful misconduct,” which encompasses crimes involving moral turpitude, according to state statutes.
During the trial, prosecutors highlighted that Fiore allegedly raised over $70,000 for the memorial statue but failed to allocate any funds for its intended purpose. Legal experts anticipate that Fiore may face imprisonment as a consequence of her wire fraud conviction, although the final determination on sentencing rests with U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey.
Fiore’s sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for January 6, but her attorney has filed a motion to postpone this hearing, as indicated by court records.
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal
