Former Las Vegas politician Michele Fiore stands convicted, but her fight for innocence continues.
At a Glance
- Fiore convicted of seven wire fraud charges, each potentially carrying 20 years in prison.
- Accused of misusing funds meant for a memorial statue for a fallen officer for personal expenses.
- Trial attracted numerous testimonies, including from Nevada’s Governor Joe Lombardo.
- Fiore’s attorney is preparing for an appeal before her sentencing in January.
Conviction on Federal Charges
Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas councilwoman and known Republican, was found guilty on seven counts of wire fraud and a conspiracy charge. These charges were connected to allegations of misusing funds meant for a memorial statue for fallen police officer Alyn Beck. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, totaling a potentially lengthy incarceration if served consecutively. As the journey toward her sentencing continues, Fiore’s legal team is focusing on exploring appeal options.
Fiore allegedly diverted over $70,000 from the proposed memorial statue’s fund. Donations made by the public for honoring Officer Beck were purportedly redirected toward Fiore’s personal expenses. These included rent, cosmetic procedures, and costs associated with her daughter’s wedding, according to prosecutors. Evidence introduced during the trial indicated financial transactions from Fiore’s nonprofit and PAC directed towards her daughter’s finances.
Ex-Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore pleaded not guilty Monday to additional wire fraud charges in an amended indictment.https://t.co/ZRpnm58EOl
— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) September 9, 2024
High-Profile Testimonies and Legal Strategies
The trial comprised of important testimonies, including that of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. Fiore’s daughter, Sheena Siegel, also testified but invoked the Fifth Amendment, rendering her testimony void. Amidst the intense trial proceedings, Federal Prosecutor Dahoud Askar remarked, “Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets.” Yet, Fiore’s defense continues to argue the case, claiming investigation and evidence against her were “sloppy.”
“Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets,” federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar said.
Fiore’s camp, led by her lawyer, is committed to appealing the decision, focusing on exploring any mishandlings or errors during the investigation. As Fiore faces suspension without pay from her position as a justice of the peace in Pahrump, Nevada, anticipation grows around her sentencing hearing set for January 6.
Gov. Lombardo is one of multiple high-profile donors that prosecutors said gave money to former Las Vegas councilwoman Michele Fiore for the construction of a statue honoring a fallen LVMPD officer.https://t.co/Aajv10ZlQH
— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) September 30, 2024
A Tumultuous Political Career
Fiore’s political career, pre-dating these charges, has been marked with controversies. Her critiques include tax liens and accusations of creating a hostile work environment. Despite losing a state treasurer race narrowly in 2022, she was shortly appointed a justice of the peace in Nye County. Throughout her career, Fiore has been recognized for her strong stance on conservative issues, notably gun rights, gaining a reputation as a controversial figure.
“She never cared about Officer Beck’s memory or his sacrifice,” federal prosecutor Alexander Gottfried said in his closing argument Thursday.
Prior to these recent legal challenges, Fiore served in the Nevada State Legislature and on the Las Vegas City Council. Known for siding with popular conservative movements, her journey has been followed both by supporters and detractors. For now, the community eagerly awaits the conclusion of her story, questioning the implications of these charges on her future in public life.