Michele Fiore, Charity Fraud, Nevada 2024
Local Politician Embroiled in Charity Scandal
A former Las Vegas city councilwoman has been charged with defrauding donors to a charity meant to honor fallen police officers.
Michele Fiore, 53, of Pahrump, Nevada, allegedly solicited donations to build a statue honoring Las Vegas police officers who were killed in the line of duty. The indictment claims Fiore promised donors that '100% of the contributions' would be used towards the creation of this statue.
However, the indictment alleges that Fiore did not use any of the tens of thousands of dollars in charitable donations for the statue of the fallen officer and instead converted the money to her personal use. 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 charged with four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.
The FBI Las Vegas Field Office is investigating the case, with trial attorneys Dahoud Askar and Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In a statement, the Justice Department's Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri emphasized the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →