Plea and Charges
Michele Fiore, a rural Nevada judge who ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer in 2022, pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal charges. She stands accused of using funds raised for a statue memorializing a slain police officer for political campaign costs and personal expenses, including her daughter’s wedding. The charges include four felony counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence.
Court Proceedings
U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts allowed Fiore to remain free without bond pending her trial, which is scheduled for September 26. Following her brief arraignment in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, Fiore expressed her desire for a speedy trial and looked forward to addressing the allegations head-on.
Public Statement
Fiore read from a prepared statement outside the court, refusing to answer questions about the indictment and her role as a justice of the peace in Pahrump. She acknowledged being served with paperwork from the state Commission on Judicial Discipline, which is mandated by law to suspend a judge with pay if they face felony charges.
Legal Representation and Suspension
Fiore’s attorney, Michael Sanft, confirmed that he would represent her in both the federal criminal case and the disciplinary proceedings. Sanft noted that the commission had not yet suspended Fiore.
Background and Career
Fiore, 53, was appointed to the bench by Nye County lawmakers in 2022 after her unsuccessful campaign for state treasurer. She was elected in June to complete the unexpired term of a deceased judge in Pahrump, located an hour west of Las Vegas. Fiore served in the Nevada State Legislature from 2012 to 2016 and on the Las Vegas City Council from 2017 to 2022. She is known for her outspoken support of gun rights, having posed with firearms for Christmas cards in 2015.
