Former Las Vegas City councilwoman and current Nye County Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of wire fraud and was released without bail Friday, but was admonished by a federal magistrate not to talk with potential witnesses following a brief initial hearing.
Fiore, who was indicted earlier this week on four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly defrauding donors of more than $70,000 for personal gain, said outside the Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse in Las Vegas that she was innocent of the charges.
In brief prepared remarks on the courthouse steps following the hearing, Fiore, 53, said she has faced “relentless investigations and continuous attacks” throughout the past decade.
“I have served as a city councilwoman and as a judge with integrity, honor and respect,” Fiore said. “This indictment is a direct attack on my character. I am tired of the shadow games others have played for the past decade to my family, and my friends, and those who have entrusted me with their votes of confidence. I am sorry, you have to see me here. However, all will be revealed in a court of law.”
According to the federal grand jury indictment, Fiore allegedly solicited donations during her time as a city councilwoman to honor police officers killed while on duty, promising that “100 percent of the contributions” would be used to fund the creation of a statue memorializing the officers.
However, the funds never paid for the statue and were allegedly used by Fiore to pay her political fundraising bills, rent and for her daughter’s wedding, among other purposes.
If Fiore is convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
Read more: Grand jury indicts ex-Las Vegas Councilwoman Michele Fiore on wire fraud charges
Judge Daniel J. Albregts ordered Fiore, who is listed as a resident of Pahrump, to appear for a Sept. 9 status check in front of U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey. A trial date was set for Sept. 24.
“There will be no continuances; we want this now and we want it over,” Fiore said. “We will not give up my rights for a speedy trial and my day in court.”
Fiore’s attorney, Michael Sanft, and prosecutor Dahoud Askar agreed to an exchange of evidence and documents to ensure a quick trial.
As she was leaving the courthouse, The Nevada Independent asked Fiore if she was concerned about any disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline, which could potentially suspend her from the bench because of the indictment. The commission is the only state disciplinary agency that oversees judges.
“Of course I am,” she said. “I just actually got served walking into court.”
A spokeswoman for the commission declined comment and as of noon, a complaint hasn’t been posted to its website.
On Thursday, Fiore oversaw hearings in her Pahrump courtroom. In the June primary, she was elected outright to serve another term.
In 2012, Clark County Family Court Judge Steven Jones was suspended by the commission after being indicted by a federal grand jury on fraud charges. In 2014, after being convicted on the charges, the commission banned Jones from ever serving in any Nevada judicial office, either elected or appointed.
Fiore, a Republican, has a long political history in Nevada. She served two terms in the state Assembly and made national headlines for her zealous support of firearm rights and championing the cause of anti-government rancher Cliven Bundy. She also served as a Nevada GOP national committeewoman. In 2022, she ran an unsuccessful campaign for state treasurer.
