Ex-Nevada gubernatorial candidate convicted in federal wire fraud case

Former Nevada gubernatorial candidate Michele Fiore (R) was convicted in a federal wire fraud case on Thursday.

Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Councilwoman, was convicted by a jury on federal wire charges, utilizing donations meant for a late Las Vegas police officer’s statue for personal benefit. She was charged with six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy.

Each count could lead to up to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Dorsey scheduled her sentencing for Jan. 6.

Fiore was accused of fundraising for her political action committee (PAC) and charity for a memorial of Alyn Beck, a police officer who was killed in 2014. The prosecutors argued that Fiore did not use the money for the memorial but for personal benefits like plastic surgery and rent.

The jury started deliberating Thursday afternoon, following the closing arguments from lawyers. Over the course of the trial, several business owners and donors testified in the case, including Nevada’s current Gov. Joe Lombardo (R).

Fiore announced in October 2019 that she would run to become the state’s governor. She then mounted a bid in March 2022 to be Nevada’s state treasurer. Fiore was defeated in November of that year by Democrat Zach Conine. Fiore served in Nevada’s Assembly from 2012 to 2016.

The Hill has reached out to Michael Sanft, Fiore’s lawyer, for comment.

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