Former Las Vegas city councilwoman Michele Fiore pleaded not guilty on Friday to wire fraud and conspiracy charges after being indicted on federal fraud charges earlier in the week.
According to People, Fiore, 53, was indicted on Tuesday by a federal grand jury on four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Fiore, who previously ran for governor in Nevada and is currently a justice of the peace in Pahrump, Nye County, allegedly used funds raised to honor fallen police officers to finance personal endeavors, such as her daughter’s wedding.
Donations were solicited to purchase statues for two officers who died in the line of duty. She promised that “100% of the contributions” would go towards the project.
“As alleged, Fiore did not use any of the tens of thousands of dollars in charitable donations for the statue of the fallen officers and instead converted the money to her personal use,” per the Department of Justice.
“The donations were used to pay her political fundraising bills and rent and were transferred to family members, including to pay for her daughter’s wedding.”
Fiore is confident that “all will be revealed in a court of law.” She feels that the “allegations are repugnant.”
Fiore has been released on her own recognizance, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
A speedy trial has been requested by both Fiore and her attorney, Michael Sanft. A trial date has been set for September 24.
Fiore said, “There will be no continuances. We want this now, and we want it over. I will not give up my right to a speedy trial and my day in court. No weapon formed against me will ever prosper.”
Fiore could face 20 years in prison on each count if convicted.
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[Feature Photo: Michelle Fiore/Wikipedia]
