Governor Testifies in Fraud Case Against Suspended MAGA Judge Michele Fiore: ‘I’m a Victim and a Witness’
(Jeff Scheid/Nevada Independent)
Nevada’s Republican Governor, Joe Lombardo, took the stand in a federal wire fraud case involving now-suspended MAGA judge Michele Fiore, shedding light on allegations that Fiore misused funds meant for a memorial statue honoring a slain police officer. Fiore, known for her right-wing political stances, is accused of soliciting donations for the statue of Las Vegas Metro police officer Alyn Beck, who was tragically killed in an ambush, but instead using the money for personal expenses.
During his testimony, Governor Lombardo, who was Clark County’s assistant sheriff at the time of Beck’s death, revealed that his re-election campaign for sheriff had donated $5,000 to Fiore’s memorial effort in 2019. The Las Vegas Journal-Review reported that Fiore’s defense attorney, Michael Sanft, repeatedly questioned Lombardo, at one point even asking, “Are you looking for help?” when the governor seemed to glance toward the federal prosecutors.
“Yeah, I’m looking for help,” Lombardo responded. “I’m failing to understand why I’m being asked these questions when I’m a victim and a witness.” Sanft pressed Lombardo on the decisions he made in donating to political campaigns and inquired about how he handled surplus funds from his sheriff campaigns, which Lombardo used in his successful bid for governor—actions that are permitted under Nevada state law.
The crux of the case, however, was laid out by FBI forensic accountant Sandra Harris, who testified that the day after Fiore received the $5,000 donation from Lombardo’s sheriff campaign, the money was deposited into an account accessible by Fiore’s daughter. Shortly after, those funds were used to purchase money orders to pay for Fiore’s rent. Harris further testified that Fiore made similar transactions with other donations, using funds for personal expenses such as wedding costs for one of her daughters. Harris stated that Fiore’s personal account often did not have enough money to cover her various personal expenses.
Adding to the controversy, sculptor Brian Hanlon, who was commissioned to create the statue of Officer Beck, testified that he never received payment from Fiore for his work. Instead, the statue was ultimately funded by Olympia Companies, the developer of the park where it was to be displayed.
Fiore, a former state legislator, and Las Vegas mayor pro tem was appointed to the Pahrump Justice Court despite not holding a law degree. She first rose to national prominence for her vocal support of rancher Cliven Bundy during the 2014 armed standoff with federal agents. Her involvement with the Bundy family continued when she played a role in resolving the 2016 armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.
As the trial continues, Fiore faces serious questions about her misuse of donations meant to honor a fallen hero. Governor Lombardo, now a central witness in the case, remains perplexed by the line of questioning but stands firm in his role as both a victim and a witness.
