Former Las Vegas Councilwoman Michele Fiore's Judicial Fate in Limbo After Presidential Pardon

The fate of Michele Fiore, former Las Vegas Councilwoman and suspended Pahrump Justice of the Peace, hangs in the balance following a Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission hearing. As reported by FOX5 Vegas, the Commission is deliberating in private after a public session on Friday to address whether Fiore's suspension should be lifted in light of a presidential pardon.

Fiore was found guilty on charges of wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in October 2024, with accusations of pocketing money meant for a police officers' memorial. Despite the conviction which had her facing up to 140 years in prison, she received a pardon from former President Trump in late April. Her attorney, Paola Armeni, argued that following the pardon, the suspension was not warranted, moreover, Armeni claimed that the Commission exceeded its authority since it concerned Fiore’s conduct prior to her judgeship.

During the hearing, which took place over Zoom, Armeni contended, "To the extent that any additional suspension continues, I submit that it would exceed this commission's jurisdiction and would be an abuse of discretion," as she was quoted in a piece by KTNV. The Commission's agenda indicated that members would consider whether a continued suspension is justified or if Fiore "poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public or the administration of justice".

The proceedings are notably colored by the broader debate as to how far a presidential pardon should influence the administrative discipline within the judicial sphere. Commissioner Karl Armstrong, after the brief hearing, signaled that the Commission would enter a private session to reach a conclusion on the matter. Fiore herself maintained a composed front in a text to Channel 13, expressing reverence for the process and commending her attorney for presenting their standpoint with what she described as "clarity, integrity, and legal brilliance." She further noted her intention to await the Commission's ruling with hopes for a "fair and just outcome," as per KTNV.