A former Nevada official, Michele Fiore, recently faced legal consequences after being convicted for misusing over $70,000 of donated funds meant for a statue honoring fallen Las Vegas police officer Alyn Beck. Instead of directing these funds toward the memorial, as promised to her donors, she diverted the money for personal expenses, including rent, plastic surgery, and her daughter's wedding.
Fiore, who previously served as a Las Vegas City councilwoman and was also part of the Nevada State Assembly from 2012 to 2016, was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy. The jury found her guilty on all seven counts—six for wire fraud and one for conspiracy—following a trial where federal prosecutors laid out evidence demonstrating her fraudulent activities.
During the trial, it was revealed how Fiore initiated fraudulent fundraising efforts for the statue, claiming to be honoring Officer Beck, who had been killed on duty back in 2014 alongside another officer, Igor Soldo. Prosecutors accused her of soliciting more than $70,000 from the community and family members, including significant contributions from Nevada's political figures such as the current governor and former sheriff Joe Lombardo, only to pocket the contributions for her lifestyle.
The allegations stated the funds were misappropriated between July 2019 and January 2020, during Fiore's time on the Las Vegas City Council. Instead of creating the memorial, she reportedly sent money through various channels to her personal accounts, used it for luxury trips, and covered her family’s expenses. Indeed, the indictment highlighted several purchases unconnected to the memorial project, including cashiers' checks, ATM withdrawals, vacation trips, and even payment for plastic surgery procedures.
When the verdict was delivered, which took the jury less than two hours of deliberation, Fiore expressed her dissatisfaction, insisting her legal representation would pursue options for appeal. She criticized the jury's swift decision, implying they had reached conclusions prior to hearing all evidence and arguments during the trial.
Fiore's history includes unsuccessful political campaigns, including one for governor, where she ran on the controversial pro-Trump platform. Her record also featured support for the separatist rancher Cliven Bundy during his armed disputes with federal authorities, promoting her image as 'Lady Trump' among her supporters.
Fiore's claim throughout the process has been one of victimhood against government scrutiny, portraying her indictment as part of targeting linked to her public opinions and political actions.
According to reports, Fiore faces up to 20 years for each fraud count when her sentencing occurs on January 6, 2025. Legal experts have pointed out the serious nature of the convictions and stress the message it sends about misusing funds intended for public good—especially when such funds were targeted to honor the sacrifices made by officers like Alyn Beck.
