Donald Trump has pardoned Michele Fiore, a Nevada politician who was found guilty of using funds meant for a memorial to honor a fallen police officer on plastic surgery and other personal expenses. The Las Vegas City Republican Justice of the Peace and city councilwoman was found guilty last year of six counts of federal wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was going to be sentenced in May.
Known As “Lady Trump”
Michele Fiore was facing a sentence of up to 20 years for each count, but on Wednesday, Trump issued her a “full and unconditional” pardon. Fiore rose to prominence in 2021 while running a failed bid for the state’s governor seat. Her fierce conviction in conservatism had many calling her “Lady Trump.” Michele Fiore claimed she was innocent and blamed the charges on a plot to bury her career due to her loyalty to Donald Trump.
Her Acquittal Request was Denied
Her request for an acquittal and a new trial was denied last week by a judge. She was scheduled to be sentenced on May 14 and would have most likely spent decades in prison. On Thursday, Michele Fiore spoke with Newsweek, stating that she was “deeply and eternally grateful to President Donald J. Trump.”
She Misappropriated $70,000
Federal prosecutors said during her trial last year that she had helped raise over $70,000 that was supposed to build a memorial honoring Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer Alyn Beck. Beck was killed in 2014 in the line of duty. Fiore was convicted of spending those funds on plastic surgery, her daughter’s wedding, rent, and other personal expenses.
Discrepancies Found By the FBI
The discrepancies were discovered in 2021 by FBI agents after records were subpoenaed and a warrant to search her home was issued. These actions took place as part of a probe into her financial spending during her failed campaign for governor.
Michael Sanft, Michele Fiore’s attorney, called the FBI investigation “sloppy.” During the trial, over a dozen witnesses were called, including the governor of Nevada, Joe Lombardo. Lombardo testified that Fiore contacted him and asked him to contribute to the memorial fund. He testified he sent her a $5,000 check.
She Transfered Funds to her Daughter
After depositing Lombardo’s check, Michele Fiore transferred the exact amount to her daughter’s bank account. The FBI testified that some of those funds went to pay Fiore’s rent and other personal expenses.
Aaron Ford, Nevada’s attorney general, condemned the pardon, saying, “Donald Trump’s blatant disregard for law enforcement is sickening, and pardoning someone who stole from a police memorial fund is a disgrace. As Nevada’s top cop, I believe there’s no room for reprieve when it comes to betraying the families of fallen officers. I will continue to stand with our men and women in uniform.”
Fiore Thanks Trump
On Thursday, Fiore commented on her pardon, “Today, I stand before you—not just as a free woman, but as a vindicated soul whose prayers were heard, whose faith held firm, and whose truth could not be buried by injustice… To those who weaponized the justice system against me: I don’t need to return fire. The truth already has. To my supporters who never stopped believing: this victory is yours too. Thank you for all your prayers.”
