The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline heard testimony Tuesday regarding the suspension of Michelle Fiore, a former Las Vegas councilwoman and Pahrump Justice of the Peace. Fiore was convicted by a federal jury in 2024 of wire fraud for spending more than $70,000 raised for a statue memorializing Metro Police Officer Alyn Beck on personal expenses. Beck and Officer Igor Soldo were killed in the line of duty in 2014. President Donald Trump pardoned Fiore in 2025.
Attorney Jay Brown testified about his firm's donation and subsequent refund of funds raised by Fiore. Brown said he spoke with then-Sheriff Joe Lombardo, who told him he had already contributed. The commission denied an exhibit referenced as an alleged check signed by Lombardo, and Lombardo's office later said his participation was no longer requested.
Fiore's lawyers called several witnesses to speak to her character. Campaign manager Brittany Jenkins testified about support from Pahrump neighbors. Neighbor Annette Fuentes described Fiore as honest and forthright. Attorney Andrew Coates, a Nye County public defender, spoke to her professional demeanor on the bench but said he was surprised to learn she had been convicted of seven felonies while serving as a judge, calling it "not great."
Videographer Patrick Kerby testified about Fiore's work ethic and political ambitions, referencing a low-budget film they made together in 2005. During cross-examination, Kerby called the felony trial "lawfare" and political retribution for Fiore's involvement in the Bundy Ranch standoff. The mention of Bundy Ranch prompted the commission to take the special prosecutor and defense lawyers into a separate room to discuss an objection.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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