A Nevada justice of the peace, Michele Fiore, who recently ran for state treasurer, is facing federal charges. The indictment accuses her of diverting funds intended for a memorial for slain police officers to cover political campaign expenses, rent, and her daughter’s wedding. Fiore, who is a member of the Republican National Committee, has been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, offenses that could result in 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. So far, Fiore has not commented on the case and it is unclear when she will appear in court or if she has legal representation.
During her time as a Las Vegas City Council member from 2017 to 2022, Fiore allegedly pledged to use donations to erect a statue honoring two fallen police officers, but prosecutors claim she misused the charitable contributions for personal purposes. The indictment also mentions an unnamed co-conspirator, believed to be related to Fiore, who allegedly helped divert funds to cover Fiore’s political expenses, rent, and her daughter’s wedding.
Fiore, known for her advocacy of gun rights, previously served one term in the Nevada Legislature from 2012 to 2016 and gained national attention for supporting rancher Cliven Bundy during standoffs with law enforcement. Despite her political endeavors, Fiore was defeated in the 2022 state treasurer election by Democrat Zach Conine. In December 2022, she was appointed as a justice of the peace in Pahrump, located an hour away from Las Vegas.
