Former Nevada gubernatorial candidate Michele Fiore (R) was found guilty Thursday in a federal wire fraud case.
Mr. Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Council member, was found guilty by a jury on federal wire charges of using donations for a statue of a late Las Vegas police officer for personal gain. She was charged with six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy.
Each charge could carry up to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey scheduled sentencing for January 6.
Fiore was charged with raising money for his political action committee (PAC) and benefitting a memorial to police officer Allyn Beck, who was killed in 2014. Prosecutors argued that Fiore did not use the money for the memorial, but instead used it for personal gain, including plastics. Surgery and rent.
The jury began deliberating Thursday afternoon following the lawyers' closing arguments. During the course of the trial, several business owners and donors testified in the case, including current Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo (R).
Fiore announced in October 2019 that she would run for governor. She then ran for Nevada State Treasurer in March 2022. Fiore lost to Democrat Zach Conine in November of the same year. Mr. Fiore served in the Nevada State Assembly from 2012 to 2016.
The Hill has reached out to Fiore's attorney, Michael Sanft, for comment.
