LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Michele Fiore, the former Las Vegas city councilwoman and current Nye County justice of the peace, is suspended from performing her judicial duties as she faces indictment on federal fraud charges.
In her initial court appearance last week, Fiore pleaded not guilty to four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
On Wednesday, the state's Commission on Judicial Discipline filed an order suspending Fiore from the judicial bench — with pay — starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 26.
2024.07.24 Certified Copy of Order Suspending Respondent From Exercise of Judicial Office With Salary 2024-... by aroberts.news on Scribd
Nevada law says the state Commission on Judicial Discipline,"shall suspend a judge from the exercise of office with salary while there is pending an indictment or information charging the judge with a crime punishable as a felony pursuant to the laws of the State of Nevada or the United States."
Fiore was indicted by a federal grand jury based on evidence she used charitable donations for her own personal gain, the U.S. Department of Justice stated previously.
During her time representing Ward 6 on the Las Vegas City Council, prosecutors allege she solicited as much as $70,000 in donations intended for a memorial to fallen police officers. Rather than construct the memorial, she's accused of using the money on her own personal expenses, including political fundraising bills, rent, and to pay for her daughter's wedding.
She has called the allegations against her "repugnant" and said he intends to address them "head on."
WATCH: Michele Fiore speaks outside the federal courthouse after pleading not guilty:
In response to the Commission on Judicial Discipline's order, Fiore shared this statement:
"To all my friends and voters who entrusted me as your justice of the peace judge:
For my entire life in public service, I have stood to protect and defend our Constitution, bringing government overreach and misconduct to light. My dedication to my fellow Nevadans was evident when the Bundy family and ranchers were charged and jailed by our federal government over grazing rights. I was an outspoken supporter during this horrible time for the Bundy family and ranch. They waited for their day in court, only to be released and have their case thrown out when it came to light during the trial that the FBI, BLM and US prosecutor Steven Myhre hid evidence and misled the judge, the jury, and the people of Nevada. It was not the first time in Nevada that the federal government has tried to cheat the system by working in the shadows, nor would it be the last.
For a decade, I've been their target for standing up for what is right. As I go through this distressing and challenging time, fight again, and bring light to the shadows, I ask only for your prayers and support. You have entrusted me with your votes because I will always stand for our Constitution and our rights as proud citizens under one flag, even at significant personal cost. That moment is now.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Together, we will stand strong for justice and uphold the values we cherish."
Fiore was released on her own recognizance ahead of a trial scheduled to begin on Sept. 24.
