Former Las Vegas councilwoman Michele Fiore, convicted of misusing police memorial funds for personal expenses including plastic surgery, receives full pardon from President Trump amid accusations of weaponized justice.
Quick Takes
- Michele Fiore was convicted of wire fraud for using over $70,000 from a fallen officer memorial fund for personal expenses
- President Trump granted Fiore a full and unconditional pardon, eliminating potential 20-year prison sentences
- Nevada officials, including Governor Lombardo who contributed to the fund, testified against Fiore’s misuse
- Fiore maintains her innocence, claiming the investigation was politically motivated due to her support for Trump
- Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford called the pardon “a disgrace” and “betrayal of fallen officers’ families”
Nevada Official Pardoned After Memorial Fund Controversy
Michele Fiore, former Las Vegas City councilwoman and current Republican justice of the peace in Nye County, was facing decades in prison after being convicted of federal wire fraud charges. The case centered on her alleged misappropriation of over $70,000 intended for a memorial statue honoring a fallen police officer. According to federal prosecutors, these funds were instead diverted toward personal expenses including plastic surgery procedures and her daughter’s wedding arrangements. The revelation came during an FBI investigation initially focused on irregularities in Fiore’s campaign finances from her unsuccessful gubernatorial run.
The criminal investigation revealed testimony from Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, who confirmed he had personally contributed to the memorial fund that was subsequently misused. Federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar summarized the government’s position during proceedings, stating bluntly: “Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets.” With multiple counts of wire fraud, Fiore was facing potential maximum sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment for each count before receiving clemency through presidential action.
Presidential Pardon Draws Strong Reactions
President Trump’s decision to issue a full and unconditional pardon to Fiore has generated significant reaction across Nevada’s political landscape. The pardon enables Fiore to return to her current position as justice of the peace in Nye County without legal impediment. This clemency action was part of a broader series of pardons issued during the President’s term, which included individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol events. The pardon effectively nullifies the conviction and any pending sentencing that would have followed.
“Donald Trump’s blatant disregard for law enforcement is sickening, and pardoning someone who stole from a police memorial fund is a disgrace. As Nevada’s top cop, I believe there’s no room for reprieve when it comes to betraying the families of fallen officers. I will continue to stand with our men and women in uniform.” – Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford
Fiore has consistently maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that the investigation and charges were politically motivated due to her vocal support for President Trump. After receiving the pardon, Fiore delivered public remarks expressing gratitude and claiming vindication. The pardon restores her rights and removes the legal cloud that had been hanging over her political career since the initial investigation began following financial discrepancies discovered by federal authorities.
Fiore Claims Vindication Through Presidential Action
Following the pardon announcement, Fiore delivered emotional remarks framing the action as validation of her claims of innocence. Throughout the legal proceedings, she had maintained that the investigation represented a politically motivated attack rather than legitimate law enforcement activity. This position aligned with broader claims from Trump supporters regarding what they perceive as selective prosecution of political allies. Nevada’s political observers note this case has reopened debates about presidential pardon powers and their application.
“Today, I stand before you — not just as a free woman, but as a vindicated soul whose prayers were heard, whose faith held firm, and whose truth could not be buried by injustice… To those who weaponized the justice system against me: I don’t need to return fire. The truth already has. To my supporters who never stopped believing: this victory is yours too. Thank you for all your prayers.” – Fiore
The pardon effectively ends the legal aspect of the matter, though political ramifications continue to unfold. Critics argue the action undermines accountability for public officials accused of financial impropriety, while supporters frame it as correcting what they view as politicized prosecution. With Fiore now able to resume her judicial duties in Nye County without legal impediment, attention turns to how this case might influence public perception regarding official accountability and the appropriate use of presidential pardon powers in cases involving public funds.
Sources:
- Trump Pardons Republican Who Spent Officer Memorial Fund on Plastic Surgery
- Trump pardons Nevada politician who paid for her plastic surgery with funds to honor a slain officer
