Former Las Vegas Councilwoman Indicted for Alleged Charity Fraud Scheme
Pahrump, NV – A federal grand jury has indicted Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and current Nye County justice of the peace, for allegedly defrauding donors to a charity intended to honor fallen police officers.
According to the indictment, Fiore, 53, solicited donations to build a statue in memory of Las Vegas police officers who died in the line of duty. Fiore purportedly assured donors that “100% of the contributions” would go toward the statue’s creation. However, it is alleged that none of the tens of thousands of dollars collected were used for the statue. Instead, Fiore allegedly diverted the funds for her personal use, including paying political fundraising bills, rent, and her daughter’s wedding expenses.
Fiore is charged with four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office announced the indictment. The FBI Las Vegas Field Office is handling the investigation.