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LAS VEGAS — President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Michele Fiore, a Republican politician from Nevada, who was poised for sentencing on federal charges linked to the misuse of funds allocated for a memorial statue honoring a fallen police officer. Reports indicate that she diverted this money towards personal expenses, which included cosmetic surgery.
Fiore, previously a city councilwoman in Las Vegas and a state lawmaker who sought the position of state treasurer in 2022, was convicted in October on multiple counts of federal wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was awaiting sentencing, originally scheduled for next month, when the pardon was issued.
In her extensive statement posted on Facebook, Fiore, known for her staunch support of Trump, expressed her appreciation towards the president. She alleged that the U.S. government and certain media outlets have conspired for over a decade to undermine her personal and professional life.
The White House confirmed her pardon without elaborating on the rationale behind Trump’s decision.
This presidential action came mere days after Fiore’s attempt for a new trial was denied, with her facing the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Fiore, now 54, had raised over $70,000 intended for a statue honoring a Las Vegas police officer killed in the line of duty in 2014. Instead of using the funds as intended, she reportedly allocated a portion of this money for personal expenditures, such as her daughter’s wedding and cosmetic enhancement procedures. “Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets,” remarked federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar.
In 2021, the FBI investigated Fiore’s campaign finances, leading to a search of her Las Vegas residence and the solicitation of various records.
The Nevada Democratic Party’s Executive Director, Hilary Barrett, has criticized the pardon, labeling it “reckless” and a perceived affront to law enforcement communities.
Interestingly, Fiore, who does not possess a law degree, was appointed as a judge in Nye County—a predominantly Republican area—in 2022 following her state treasurer campaign loss. She was elected last June to fulfill the unexpired term of a deceased judge, although her legal issues had led to her suspension without pay. Nye County is located approximately an hour’s drive from Las Vegas.
In her recent statement, Fiore indicated her intention to resume her judicial duties forthcoming.
Nye County officials mentioned they are awaiting updates regarding her current suspension from the state Commission on Judicial Discipline, which acknowledged awareness of the pardon but refrained from further commenting on her circumstances.
A request for comment was also made to Fiore’s attorney by the Associated Press.
Fiore’s political career includes a term in the Nevada Legislature from 2012 to 2016, followed by her tenure as a city councilwoman from 2017 until 2022. She notably garnered national attention for her vocal support of rancher Cliven Bundy during armed confrontations with federal law enforcement in Bunkerville, Nevada, in 2014, and Malheur, Oregon, in 2016.
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abcnews.go.com