On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Nye County Judge Michele Fiore would be suspended from her position after being indicted on federal charges.

According to the order from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline, Fiore’s suspension was set to begin at 12:01 am on Friday, July 26. The 53-year-old judge from Pahrump had been indicted on July 16 by a Las Vegas grand jury on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy related to her previous time as a Las Vegas city councilwoman. Federal prosecutors allege that Fiore had raised over $70,000 intended for a fallen officers memorial but instead spent the money for personal use and her daughter’s wedding.

If a judge requests a hearing, the Commission is required to provide one, however, Fiore’s lawyer Michael Sanft waived her right to a hearing. This allowed the suspension to immediately take effect versus going through a hearing process. The Commission’s decision was unanimous according to the order released.

The charges stem from Fiore’s time on the Las Vegas City Council where she represented Ward 6. In 2014, two police officers named Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo were fatally shot in the line of duty. The city council decided to name a new park for Beck in Ward 6. In 2018 when construction began on the park, Fiore proposed creating a statue of Beck. It was through this project that Fiore is accused of raising funds between July 2019 to January 2020 through a charity and political action committee for the stated purpose of the statue and memorial. However, prosecutors claim the money was instead used for political fundraising, rent, and to pay for her daughter’s wedding.

Fiore maintains her innocence and said in a statement last week that she has “always approached her duties with the utmost integrity and dedication.” After her initial court appearance on July 19, Fiore acknowledged the commission’s authority to suspend her but said she would obey any recommendations. The suspension ensures Fiore will be removed from her position as Nye County judge while the criminal case against her moves forward in federal court.

 

 

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal