In 2019, former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore allegedly took donations meant for a fallen police officer’s memorial and used them for personal expenses, including rent. One of the donors was Gov. Joe Lombardo, who contributed $5,000 to Fiore’s PAC to fund a statue honoring Officer Alyn Beck, who was killed in the line of duty in Las Vegas.
Fiore has been indicted on four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for rerouting $70,000 in donations intended for the fallen officer statues to cover her political fundraising bills, rent, and her daughter’s wedding expenses, among other things. She has pleaded not guilty and has been suspended from her position as a Nye County justice of the peace.
Lombardo, referred to as “Donor A” in the indictment, could be called to testify in Fiore’s trial. However, defense attorney Robert Langford mentioned that an official from Lombardo’s campaign account might also be a suitable witness. The trial is scheduled to begin next month, but Langford expressed doubt that it would start on time due to the time needed for Fiore’s defense team to prepare.
Apart from Lombardo, three other donors were allegedly defrauded by Fiore, including an out-of-state resident and two Nevada-based attorneys. These donors contributed to “Charity A,” a nonprofit established by Fiore and her co-conspirator. The nonprofit failed to file federal tax returns, resulting in the revocation of its tax-exempt status.
Fiore has a history of controversy, having been removed as the Republican majority leader in the state Assembly in 2014 for insubordination and tax issues related to her home health care business. She also faced a lawsuit from Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman for creating a hostile work environment and physical assault.
Fiore ran for Nevada governor in 2022, where she criticized Lombardo for his policies on vaccinations and firearms. She eventually dropped out of the race and narrowly lost a bid for state treasurer amidst allegations of campaign finance violations and benefiting from a potential “straw donor scheme.”
Despite these challenges, Fiore’s PAC continued to provide significant financial support to her daughter’s event planning company between 2018 and 2020. The allegations against Fiore paint a picture of misuse of funds and deception, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in political fundraising and nonprofit management.
