Rural Nevada judge suspended with pay after indictment on federal fraud charges

A rural Nevada judge has been suspended from hearing court cases after she was indicted on federal charges that she used funds raised for a statue of a slain police officer to pay political campaign costs and personal expenses. Michele Fiore is a Republican former Nevada Assembly and Las Vegas City Council member. She ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer in 2022. Fiore issued a statement Thursday asking for prayers and support during what she termed a distressing and challenging time. The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline suspended her on Wednesday. She has pleaded not guilty to federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges, and faces trial in September.