Former Las Vegas City Council Member Accused of Misusing Funds for Slain Officer Memorial
Former Las Vegas City Council Member Accused of Misusing Funds Meant for Slain Police Officer Memorial
Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Council member who once ran for Nevada’s governor, is facing serious allegations of misusing over $70,000 in donations intended for a memorial to honor a slain police officer. According to a federal indictment filed on Tuesday, Fiore allegedly diverted the funds to pay for her daughter’s wedding and other personal expenses.
The Justice Department revealed that Fiore had assured donors that their contributions would go towards a statue dedicated to an officer killed in the line of duty. However, federal prosecutors claim that she used the money for rent, travel, political fundraising bills, and even transferred some to family members.
During her initial arraignment in a Las Vegas federal court, Fiore pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison on each count.
Fiore, who currently serves as a justice of the peace in Nye County, Nevada, vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “repugnant” in a brief news conference outside the courtroom. She emphasized her track record of integrity and expressed her readiness to confront the accusations head-on.
The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline, responsible for investigating complaints against judges, acknowledged the indictment against Fiore but refrained from commenting further on the matter.
Fiore, known for her strong Republican views and colorful political style, has been involved in various controversial issues in the past. Despite her previous bids for higher office, including a run for governor in 2021 and state treasurer in 2022, she has faced setbacks in her political career.
The indictment alleges that Fiore solicited donations for the memorial statue between July 2019 and January 2020, despite knowing that a private real estate development company had already agreed to fund the project. The statue was eventually unveiled in January 2020, but prosecutors claim that none of the solicited funds were used for its creation.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Fiore remains resolute in her defense, vowing to address the charges in court. A pretrial conference is scheduled for September 9, with a tentative trial date set for September 24. The case has garnered significant attention, raising questions about accountability and transparency in public office.
