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    Ex-Las Vegas councilwoman stole $70K from cop memorial fund for daughter’s wedding: feds

    By Olivia Land,

    1 day ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Wl3SW_0uViixZ900

    A Nevada justice of the peace and former Las Vegas councilwoman has been indicted on federal charges alleging she pilfered $70,000 in donations for a memorial honoring slain officers to pay for her daughter’s wedding, political campaign costs and rent.

    Michele Fiore, 53, was indicted Tuesday on four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to the documents viewed by The Post.

    Between 2019 and 2020, Fiore — who was a member of the Las Vegas City Council from 2017 to 2022 — promised to use 100% of the donations she solicited to build a statue in honor of two Vegas cops who were killed on duty in June 2014, the indictment read.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Owrl9_0uViixZ900
    Michele Fiore allegedly pilfered $70,000 in donations from a memorial fund honoring slain officers to pay for her daughter’s wedding. Getty Images

    Instead, Fiore “converted the money for her personal use,” prosecutors said.

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    According to the indictment, an unnamed relative and co-conspirator helped conceal the checks that feds say amounted to $70,000 for Fiore’s political fundraising, rent and even her daughter’s wedding.

    Fiore is expected to appear in court Friday, according to documents viewed by The Post.

    “I hold my oath of office sacred and have consistently strived to serve my community with integrity and to the best of my ability,” she said in a statement on the charges.

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    “Now that I have been accused, I eagerly await my opportunity to address these charges in court.”

    Fiore’s attorney, George Kelesis, did not immediately return The Post’s request for a comment.

    If convicted, Fiore could face up 20 years behind bars.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=23Zm3C_0uViixZ900
    Fiore said she looks forward to defending herself in court. Andy Barron / USA TODAY NETWORK

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    Fiore served one term in the Nevada Legislature from 2012 through 2016, and is a state member of the Republican National Committee.

    The fervent gun rights supporter lost a bid for state treasurer to Democrat Zach Conine in 2022.

    Since that year, Fiore has been one of two local justices of the peace in Pahrump, a rural area an hour outside Las Vegas.

    The Pahrump Justice Court did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for a comment on the charges.

    With Post wires

    For top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com.

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