The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline suspended Michele Fiore from her position as a Nye County justice of the peace Wednesday following her indictment last week by a federal grand jury on multiple charges of wire fraud.
Fiore, 53, a former Las Vegas city councilwoman, was suspended by the commission following a unanimous vote by its seven members.
According to the order, Fiore will still receive her salary, which was $90,233 in 2023, per a spokesman for Nye County. She was suspended “based on a pending indictment charging with a crime punishable as a felony,” according to an order released by the commission Wednesday.
The commission notified Fiore of its intent to suspend her following the indictment.
She pleaded not guilty in federal court Friday on charges that she had fraudulently solicited donations on behalf of her charity to construct a statue honoring fallen police officers but had instead used the money for personal reasons including rent payments and for her daughter’s wedding.
As she left the courthouse Friday following her hearing, The Nevada Independent asked Fiore if she was concerned about any disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline, she replied, “Of course I am,” she said. “I just actually got served walking into court.”
The commission, which is the only state disciplinary agency that oversees judges, plans to hold a public hearing regarding the suspension Friday. Fiore’s attorney, Michael Sanft, could not be reached for comment.
In a statement sent through Nye County and addressed to voters, Fiore didn’t address the charges nor mention her suspension from the bench. Fiore said she has been a target of federal prosecutors because she stood up for the Bundy family in 2018.
“You have entrusted me with your votes because I will always stand for our Constitution and our rights as citizens under one flag, even at significant personal cost. That moment is now,” Fiore wrote.
If Fiore is convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the four counts of wire found and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
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 in prepared remarks following her hearing last week. “We will not give up my rights for a speedy trial and my day in court.”
Fiore, a Republican, has a long political history in Nevada. She was elected to a four-year term in June on the Nye County justice court after serving two years following her appointment to the position by the Nye County Commission.
She served four years on the Las Vegas City Council after serving two terms in the state Assembly. She 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.
Updated at 7:10 p.m. on 7/24/2024 to include Fiore’s statement.
Updated at 6:04 p.m. on 7/24/2024 with additional information.
