Fiore discipline case goes to commission for deliberations

The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline adjourned Wednesday to deliberate on whether suspended Pahrump Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore violated the state's code of judicial conduct, concluding a three-day hearing. A decision on whether Fiore can return to the bench could take months, according to her attorney, Paola Armeni.

The commission began investigating Fiore after she was found guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud related to her time as a Las Vegas councilwoman. Federal prosecutors alleged she raised tens of thousands of dollars for a park and statue honoring fallen officer Alyn Beck but used the money for personal expenses, including rent, plastic surgery and her daughter's wedding. President Donald Trump pardoned Fiore in April 2025, but the pardon did not resolve the separate disciplinary proceedings.

During closing arguments, the commission's special counsel, Thomas Donaldson, said Fiore tried to financially benefit from Beck's slaying, calling the acts reprehensible and arguing the judicial code requires judges to avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety. Armeni countered that Fiore's actions predated her time on the bench and did not constitute judicial misconduct, stating, "She wasn't a judge and she wasn't subject to the judicial canons."

The final witness, former Nye County prosecutor Jason Gunnell, defended Fiore's work on the bench. Gunnell said he initially hesitated to work with Fiore based on news reports but was "pleasantly surprised," describing her as "fair" and "outstanding as a justice of the peace." He testified she showed humility on unfamiliar legal issues and handed out toys to parents who brought children to court.

Armeni urged commissioners to focus on Fiore's professionalism as a judge, pointing to Gunnell's testimony. "I ask you to see beyond the media, the hoopla, the stereotypes," Armeni said. "Because that's really not who she is." Fiore, appointed in 2022 and elected to a two-year term in 2024, lost her re-election bid after finishing third in the 2026 primary.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal