Former Las Vegas councilwoman Michele Fiore has been found guilty of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for pocketing $70,000 in donations meant for a memorial honoring slain police officers. The money was intended for a statue to honor officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo, who were killed in the line of duty. Instead, Fiore used the funds for personal expenses such as plastic surgery, rent, and her daughter’s wedding. Prosecutors claimed she used the tragedy to enrich herself.
Fiore was convicted on six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with each count carrying a possible penalty of 20 years in prison. While she awaits sentencing, her attorney has stated that she plans to appeal the conviction. The speed at which the jury reached its verdict suggests that they may have been influenced by specific testimony during the trial, according to her attorney.
Following a raid by FBI agents on her home in northwest Las Vegas in 2021, Fiore’s attorney described the investigation as “sloppy.” Despite her legal troubles, Fiore has a background in politics as a former Republican lawmaker in the Nevada Legislature. She also served as a state member of the Republican National Committee, although she lost a bid for state treasurer to a Democrat in 2022. Fiore currently serves as a justice of the peace in Pahrump, a rural area near Las Vegas, but has been suspended from her position without pay.
Fiore’s sentencing is scheduled for January 6th, and she faces the possibility of significant prison time for her crimes. As the details of her misuse of funds for a memorial to fallen officers emerge, the case has drawn attention to the unethical behavior of a public official. Despite her past political successes, Fiore’s misconduct has tarnished her reputation and led to consequences for her current role as a justice of the peace. The outcome of her appeal will determine her future legal standing and potential punishment for her crimes.
The case of Michele Fiore serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of abusing public trust for personal gain. As a former elected official, Fiore had a duty to honor the memory of slain police officers and uphold the integrity of her position. Instead, she chose to exploit donations meant for a memorial, using the money for her own benefit. The swift verdict in her trial reflects the seriousness of her actions and the impact they have had on the community and the memory of the fallen officers. Fiore’s downfall highlights the need for accountability and transparency in public office, as well as the importance of ethical leadership in honoring the sacrifices of those who serve and protect.
