Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican and former Las Vegas city councilwoman, was found guilty on Thursday of misusing funds raised for a statue honoring a slain police officer. A jury in the U.S. District Court of Nevada convicted Fiore on six counts of federal wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to KLAS-TV in Las Vegas. The charges stem from allegations that Fiore diverted money intended for the memorial to cover personal expenses, including plastic surgery and her daughter’s wedding.

Fraudulent use of memorial funds

Federal prosecutors revealed that Fiore had raised over $70,000 for a statue to honor a Las Vegas police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2014. Instead of using the funds as promised, Fiore spent the money on personal expenses, including rent and cosmetic surgery. “Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets,” said federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar during the trial.

Potential 20-year sentence for each count

Each count of wire fraud carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Fiore, who currently holds an elected position as a justice of the peace in rural Pahrump, Nevada, has been suspended without pay. She is set to be sentenced on January 6 but will remain free while awaiting sentencing. Fiore’s attorney, Michael Sanft, has already announced plans to appeal the conviction. During the trial, Sanft criticized the FBI’s investigation, calling it “sloppy” and questioning the methods used to gather evidence against his client. In 2021, FBI agents subpoenaed records and searched Fiore’s home in Las Vegas as part of their inquiry into her campaign spending.

Political career and controversies

Fiore, 54, has been a prominent div in Nevada politics. She served in the state Legislature from 2012 to 2016 and gained national attention for posing with guns in Christmas cards alongside her family. After her tenure in the Legislature, she was elected to the Las Vegas City Council, where she served from 2017 to 2022.

Fiore, who lacks a law degree, was appointed as a judge in deeply conservative Nye County in 2022, following her failed campaign for state treasurer. In June, she was elected to complete the remaining term of a deceased judge. Pahrump, where she serves, is located an hour west of Las Vegas.

Sentencing and fallout

Fiore’s conviction represents a significant fall from grace for the once-prominent politician. As she awaits sentencing, questions remain about the long-term impact on her political career and the community’s response to her actions. Should her appeal fail, Fiore could face up to 140 years in prison for the fraud and conspiracy charges, marking a dramatic end to a career that has been filled with controversy.