Nevada judge who ran for state treasurer pleads not guilty to federal fraud charges

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A rural Nevada judge who ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer in 2022 pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges accusing her of using funds raised for a statue memorializing a slain police officer for political campaign costs and personal expenses, including her daughter’s wedding.

Michele Fiore, a Republican former Nevada state Assembly and Las Vegas City Council member, declared to reporters following her brief arraignment in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas that she wants a speedy trial and looked forward to “addressing these horrible allegations head-on.”

U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts allowed Fiore to remain free without bond pending trial, which is scheduled for Sept. 26.

Fiore read from a prepared statement outside court and refused to answer questions about the indictment and her role as a justice of the peace in Pahrump. The court hears criminal and traffic matters and small claims cases.

She and her attorney, Michael Sanft, acknowledged that she was served Friday with paperwork from the state Commission on Judicial Discipline.

The commission is required by law to suspend a judge with pay if they face a felony charge. Fiore is accused of four felony counts of wire fraud and felony conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Each count carries a possible penalty of 20 years in prison.

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«RELATED COVERAGE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true»