In a courtroom twist that could only happen in Vegas, Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and one-time gubernatorial candidate, was convicted yesterday of turning a charity effort into her personal piggy bank.
A federal jury in Nevada found her guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud, all tied to a scheme where she raised money for fallen police officers—only to spend it on herself.
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Fiore, 54, of Pahrump, Nevada, had been soliciting charitable donations, claiming the funds would go towards building statues in honor of two Las Vegas police officers who had died in the line of duty. She sweetened the deal for donors by assuring them that “100% of the contributions” would be used for the memorials. But it turns out, the only thing being memorialized was Fiore’s bank account.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Fiore didn’t spend a single dollar of the over $70,000 she raised on the promised memorials. Instead, she treated the charitable donations like a jackpot, using the funds to cover her personal rent, political fundraising expenses, and even making payments to family members. Apparently, charity begins at home—literally.
Fiore is now facing a date with the judge on January 6, 2025, where she could receive up to 20 years in prison for each of the seven counts. That’s a lot of time to reflect on whether a statue or two might’ve been a better investment. The sentencing will be determined after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors, but suffice it to say, the odds aren’t in her favor.
The FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office led the investigation, showing once again that what happens in Vegas… might land you in federal prison.
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