Michele Fiore Appeals Suspension from Judicial Role

News Summary

Michele Fiore has formally appealed her suspension as Pahrump Justice of the Peace, a decision upheld by the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission. Her suspension, linked to federal wire fraud charges involving misappropriated charitable funds, reinstated her salary but continued her suspension. Following a presidential pardon wiping her criminal record, Fiore’s attorney contends the commission overlooked positive feedback and unverified allegations against her. The appeal raises significant questions about accountability and judicial ethics as the Nevada Supreme Court awaits further developments.

– Michele Fiore has formally appealed the recent decision made by the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission regarding her suspension from her role as Pahrump Justice of the Peace. The commission’s ruling was announced on May 19, 2025, which revised her earlier suspension from October 2024 and reinstated her pay that had previously been withheld following her convictions.

Fiore faced serious allegations leading to her indictment on federal wire fraud charges in July 2024. Her conviction stemmed from fraudulent activities involving the diversion of over $70,000 in charitable donations that were intended for a memorial statue honoring a slain police officer. The scandal marred her judicial career, resulting in her suspension with pay shortly after the indictment.

The Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission’s decision to continue Fiore’s suspension, despite restoring her salary, was influenced by additional complaints against her that arose during her time in office. The commission produced an eight-page decision unanimously stating that her actions had significantly harmed public trust in the judicial system. Notably, while the commission acknowledged the president’s pardon that cleared her criminal record, the scope of the complaints they examined was extensive.

Following her October 2024 conviction, the commission revoked Fiore’s $90,000 annual judicial salary, leading to her current financial situation during the appeal process. On April 23, 2025, her federal conviction was wiped clean thanks to a full pardon granted by President Donald Trump, reopening the doors for her potential reinstatement to the bench.

During a May 2 hearing, Fiore’s attorney, Paola Armeni, advocated for her reinstatement, suggesting the commission overlooked positive public feedback and the implications of the presidential pardon in deliberations. Armeni pointed out that the concerns surrounding Fiore appeared to be based on unverified public perceptions and allegations that predate her tenure as a judge.

The commission reported that public feedback after the pardon was minimal, consisting of only seven emails expressing general concerns about Fiore’s role as a judge. Furthermore, the commission indicated that its decision to maintain her suspension stemmed from worries about Fiore’s capacity to deliver justice ethically and the integrity of the judicial system as a whole.

Fiore, who previously served as a Nevada assemblywoman and an elected member of the Las Vegas City Council, was appointed to the judgeship in Nye County in 2022 immediately following an unsuccessful campaign for state treasurer. She remains determined to return to the judicial bench, expressing confidence that she can rectify the public’s perception and prove her suitability for the position.

In addition to the appeal at the Nevada Supreme Court, the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline is currently addressing a number of pending complaints regarding Fiore’s conduct. However, the specific grounds for the appeal have not been disclosed by her attorney.

As this case unfolds, it raises substantial questions about accountability, judicial ethics, and the future of Michele Fiore’s judicial career—amidst the backdrop of federal fraud charges and complex public sentiment surrounding her actions. While awaiting further developments from the Nevada Supreme Court, the outcome of Fiore’s appeal remains uncertain.

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• KTNV News
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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Michele Fiore
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