Nevada Judge Fiore Remains Suspended With Pay

Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Suspension of Pahrump Judge Michele Fiore

The Nevada Supreme Court has issued a unanimous ruling to uphold the suspension with pay of Pahrump Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore. This decision ensures that Fiore remains off the bench while the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline continues its investigation into additional complaints against her.

The Legal Battle Over Judicial Authority

The central conflict in this case revolved around whether the Commission on Judicial Discipline had the legal jurisdiction to suspend Fiore. Fiore’s attorney, Paola Armeni, argued that the commission was “manipulating the rules” and overstepping its bounds. The defense maintained that the events leading to Fiore’s fraud conviction happened before she was appointed as a judge, and therefore fell outside the commission’s jurisdiction according to Nevada law.

Yet, the Nevada Supreme Court determined that the commission did have the authority to issue the interim suspension. The court noted that the suspension is pending further investigation and that the panel has not yet finalized any permanent discipline.

Fraud Conviction and Presidential Pardon

Michele Fiore, a prominent figure in Nevada Republican politics who has served as a state assemblywoman and Las Vegas city councilwoman, faced severe legal challenges prior to this ruling. In October 2024, a federal jury convicted her of wire fraud. Prosecutors proved that Fiore defrauded donors of tens of thousands of dollars intended for a statue memorializing a slain Metropolitan Police Department officer.

Evidence presented during the case showed that Fiore diverted these donations for personal expenses, including:

• Monthly rent payments
• Cosmetic treatments
• Expenses for her daughter’s wedding

In April 2025, President Donald Trump granted Fiore a full pardon. While this pardon led to the lifting of a previous suspension without pay, it did not end the scrutiny from the state’s judicial watchdog.

“An Emergent Threat to the Judiciary”

The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline—a seven-person panel appointed by the governor, the State Bar of Nevada, and the Nevada Supreme Court—has remained firm in its pursuit of discipline. The commission stated that a presidential pardon does not preclude them from considering a judge’s ongoing conduct.

Commission members unanimously decided that Fiore’s apparent refusal to reimburse the donors she defrauded represents a “current, emergent threat to the judiciary.” the commission indicated that the suspension is based on additional, confidential allegations of misconduct that occurred during her time serving as a judge in Pahrump.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Michele Fiore suspended if she was pardoned?

While a presidential pardon addresses the criminal conviction, the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline maintains that it can still discipline a judge based on their ongoing conduct and ethics. The commission views her refusal to reimburse defrauded donors and other alleged misconduct during her judgeship as grounds for suspension.

Is she still receiving her salary?

Yes. The Nevada Supreme Court upheld her suspension with pay. This is an interim measure while the commission completes its investigation.

What happens next?

The Commission on Judicial Discipline will continue its investigation into the confidential complaints filed against Fiore. Once the investigation is complete, the panel will determine if permanent disciplinary action is warranted.

Conclusion

The Nevada Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces the authority of the Commission on Judicial Discipline to act on conduct that threatens the integrity of the bench, regardless of federal pardons. As the investigation into Judge Fiore’s conduct continues, the case highlights the tension between executive clemency and state judicial ethics standards.