LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A Pahrump Justice Court judge will be suspended with pay as she faces five federal wire fraud charges, according to documents obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators. Michele Fiore is accused of misusing donations collected to create a memorial for fallen police.
“Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on July 26, 2024, respondent is suspended from the exercise of judicial office with salary,” an order stated.
Fiore entered a not-guilty plea during her initial arraignment in a Las Vegas federal court Friday. A grand jury previously indicted Fiore for four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Fiore said she received a notice from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline as she walked into the courthouse.
The commission shall suspend a judge with salary while there is a pending felony indictment, per Nevada state law.
The commission issued a notice of intent to suspend Fiore with salary on July 18, according to the order. Fiore’s attorney, Michael Sanft notified the commission in writing on July 23 that Fiore waived her right to a public hearing regarding the matter, the commission stated.
The allegations against Fiore date back to when Fiore was a Las Vegas City councilwoman in 2019, according to a criminal indictment. Prosecutors alleged that Fiore raised money for a police memorial for Metro police officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo who were killed in the line of duty in 2014, but then spent $70,000 in donations on her rent, bills, and daughter’s wedding.
Fiore remains out of custody on her own recognizance, meaning she did not have to post bail money. Her next court date is scheduled for September 9. A trial is scheduled for September 24.
