LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Republican Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo took the stand Monday in the federal wire fraud case against now-suspended Pahrump Justice Court judge Michele Fiore in her fraud trial.
Fiore is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud. She is accused of raising money for a statue to remember slain Las Vegas Metro police officer Alyn Beck and then using the funds for personal expenses.
Lombardo was the assistant sheriff when Beck and Officer Igor Soldo were killed in 2014. His campaign, “Lombardo for Sheriff” donated $5,000 for the statue in 2019.
Lombardo recalled donating to Fiore’s various political campaigns. They are both Republicans.
Fiore’s defense attorney, Michael Sanft, questioned Lombardo about his campaign funds and whether he told donors the funds would go to another cause. It appeared Sanft was trying to show that Nevada has lax campaign financing laws.
“I don’t understand why I’m being asked these questions when I’m a victim and a witness,” Lombardo testified.