LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A now-suspended Pahrump justice court judge is accused of misusing a donation from “Lombardo for Sheriff,” a campaign fund from when Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo was running for Clark County sheriff, according to federal prosecutors.
Michele Fiore, indicted in July on a string of wire fraud crimes, appeared in front of U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Dorsey for a pretrial status conference Friday. Dorsey scheduled a jury trial for Tuesday after Fiore previously invoked her right to a speedy trial.
Prosecutors allege Fiore raised money for a statue for fallen Las Vegas Metro police officer Alyn Beck and then spent approximately $70,000 for personal expenses like rent, bills, and her daughter’s wedding.
Dorsey issued a decision Wednesday that the widow of Officer Alyn Beck could testify during trial after Fiore’s attorney, Michael Sanft filed a motion to preclude Beck from testifying.
“The defense has not established that it would be unfairly prejudicial,” Dorsey wrote.
Fiore previously pleaded not guilty to the original charges filed in July and subsequent charges filed earlier this month.