Michele Fiore, a Nye County justice of the peace, has been suspended from her position by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline after being indicted on charges of wire fraud by a federal grand jury. Despite the suspension, Fiore will continue to receive her $90,233 salary but will not be able to preside over any cases.
The commission’s decision to suspend Fiore came after a unanimous vote by its members. The suspension is based on the pending indictment, which charges Fiore with a felony crime. Fiore has pleaded not guilty to the charges in federal court, where she is accused of misusing donations intended for a fallen police officers’ memorial statue for personal expenses.
In a statement to voters, Fiore did not address the charges against her but instead focused on her commitment to upholding the Constitution and citizens’ rights. She claimed that the federal prosecutors are targeting her because of her support for the Bundy family in 2018.
If convicted, Fiore could face up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A trial date has been set for September, with Fiore ordered to appear for a status check in front of U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey.
Fiore, a Republican with a history of political involvement in Nevada, has served on the Las Vegas City Council, in the state Assembly, and as a Nevada GOP national committeewoman. Despite her suspension from the bench, Fiore remains committed to fighting for her rights and having her day in court.
The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline plans to hold a public hearing on Fiore’s suspension, although her attorney has not provided any comments on the matter. The commission is the state’s disciplinary agency for judges and is responsible for overseeing judicial conduct.
As the case against Fiore unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see how the legal proceedings develop and what the outcome will be for the embattled justice of the peace.
