In a shocking turn of events, Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and state lawmaker, was found guilty of misappropriating funds intended for a memorial statue of a fallen officer.
The funds were instead used for personal expenses, including plastic surgery.
As reported by Newsweek, Fiore was convicted on six counts of federal wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud by a jury in the U.S. District Court in Nevada. The weeklong trial concluded last Thursday, with each charge carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. Fiore, who is currently suspended without pay from her role as a justice of the peace in Pahrump, Nevada, is set to be sentenced on January 6.
Fiore's legal representative, Michael Sanft, has announced plans to appeal the conviction. During the trial, it was revealed by federal prosecutors that Fiore had raised over $70,000, claiming it was for a statue to honor a Las Vegas police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2014. However, the funds were allegedly used for personal expenses, including plastic surgery, rent, and her daughter's wedding. Federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar stated during the trial, "Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets."
In 2021, Fiore's home was searched by FBI agents as part of an investigation into her campaign finances. Sanft criticized the FBI's investigation during the trial, labeling their work as "sloppy."
Fiore, who does not hold a law degree, was appointed as a judge in the heavily conservative Nye County in 2022, following her unsuccessful bid for Nevada state treasurer. She was later elected in June to complete the remaining term of a deceased judge. Fiore, 54, has a history in Nevada politics, having served in the Nevada Legislature from 2012 to 2016, and as a Las Vegas city councilwoman from 2017 until 2022.
Fiore, seemingly undeterred by the conviction, stated to KLAS-TV, "We're still in it. We're still in the thick of things and my attorney is going to hopefully, you know, apprise you of a lot of situations that you're unaware of." She added, "You were aware yesterday that I wanted to say a few things to the judge and I wasn't allowed to."
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public office, particularly when it comes to the handling of public funds.
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