Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore's recent bid for a new trial and acquittal was struck down by a federal judge, reaffirming her conviction on wire fraud charges. Last year, a jury found Fiore guilty on six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges stemmed from her misuse of funds intended for a memorial to fallen Las Vegas police officer Alyn Beck, which she diverted for personal expenses such as rent and plastic surgery.
Scheduled to receive her sentence on May 14, Fiore is facing a tough road ahead, with each count carrying the possibility of 20 years imprisonment. Judge Jennifer Dorsey, in her refusal to grant Fiore a new trial, stated that the trial evidence "supports a finding that Fiore used the wires—through the bank’s process for clearing checks—as a step in her plot to defraud her donors," according to a detailed 77-page opinion reported by The Nevada Independent. Dorsey was clear in her judgement that despite Fiore's claims of insufficient evidence and poor representation, these arguments failed to demonstrate any serious miscarriage of justice that would necessitate a retrial.
In the trial, evidence emerged of Fiore's conduct in soliciting donations to her Political Action Committee (PAC) and nonprofit, under the guise of constructing the statue. The funds were then diverted to cover personal costs. As per a News3LV report, Fiore's counsel argued for acquittal on the grounds of insufficient evidence, but Judge Dorsey countered, stating "the government introduced sufficient evidence that Fiore intended to deceive and cheat the donors who wrote checks before February 2020."
As a result of the scandal, Fiore has been suspended without pay from her role as Pahrump Justice of the Peace. In an effort to challenge the legal outcome, Fiore's attorney, Paola Armeni, expressed disappointment with the decision, stating, "we are extremely disappointed by the order," according to The Nevada Independent. Armeni emphasized that they believe Fiore did not receive a fair trial and confirmed that she intends to pursue her full appellate rights after sentencing.
