Michele Fiore enters ‘not guilty’ plea to federal charges accusing her of wire fraud

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Michele Fiore, who is accused of misusing donations meant to create a memorial for fallen police, entered a not guilty plea during her initial arraignment in a Las Vegas federal court Friday.

A grand jury indicted Fiore for four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The allegations date back to when Fiore was a Las Vegas City councilwoman in 2019, according to a criminal indictment. Prosecutors alleged that Fiore raised money for a police memorial for Las Vegas Metro police officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo who were killed in the line of duty in 2014, but then spent $70,000 in donations on her rent, bills, and daughter’s wedding.

Dahoud Askar, a trial attorney with the Public Integrity Section at the Department of Justice, told U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts that the case was not complex.

Albergts noted that he did not believe Fiore was a danger to the community or a flight risk and issued a personal recognizance bond, meaning Fiore did not have to post any bail money to remain out of custody. Albergts also prohibited Fiore from reaching out to witnesses in the case who are not family members.

Fiore’s two daughters were by her side as she left the courthouse Friday, along with defense attorney Michael Sanft.

“An indictment is merely an accusation and these allegations are repugnant,” Fiore told reporters after leaving court. “This indictment is a direct attack on my character. I look forward to learning the specifics of the accusations against me and addressing these horrible allegations head-on. I am tired of the shadow game others have played for the past decade.”

When asked about the allegations, Fiore asked two reporters if they liked their jobs.

Fiore later said, “I gave my statement. It’s an open case. I have to be very cautious on what I say.”

Fiore also said she wanted no continuances in the case.

Fiore is currently a Justice of the Peace in Pahrump, Nevada. Her next court date is September 9. A trial is scheduled for September 24.

Fiore said she was concerned about action from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline and received a notice while walking into the courthouse.

The 8 News Now Investigators reached out to the commission to find out more Friday afternoon and their response is provided below.

“The Commission has been made aware of the federal indictment against Judge Fiore as set forth in recent news coverage. Pursuant to law, however, the Commission is prohibited from commenting any further regarding this matter.”

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