A federal judge in Nevada on Friday dismissed efforts from former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore for a new trial and acquittal related to her conviction of wire fraud last year.

A jury convicted Fiore of six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in October for using money designated for a fallen Las Vegas police officer’s memorial for her own personal gain, including her rent, plastic surgery and daughter’s wedding. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, and sentencing is scheduled for May 14.

Fiore is a firebrand conservative who previously served as a state assemblymember and was nearly elected the state treasurer in 2022. She had argued that the evidence against her was insufficient and that she was denied the right to a fair trial, citing that her previous hired counsel provided deficient representation and that her right to present evidence during the trial was violated.

However, U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Dorsey ruled on Friday that these arguments were unconvincing.

“The evidence at trial supports a finding that Fiore used the wires—through the bank’s process for clearing checks—as a step in her plot to defraud her donors,” Dorsey wrote in a 77-page opinion.

Dorsey added that Fiore’s arguments of improprieties during the trial did not suggest “a serious miscarriage of justice that only a new trial can cure.”

In a statement Friday, Paola Armeni, Fiore’s lawyer, who did not represent her during the trial, said “we are extremely disappointed by the order” and that “we truly believe” Fiore did not receive a fair trial. 

“At this time, we will prepare for sentencing and thereafter Ms. Fiore will exercise her full appellate rights,” the statement said.

The case centered on the construction of a statue honoring Alyn Beck, a Las Vegas police officer killed in the line of duty in 2014. Federal prosecutors accused Fiore — across six months in 2019 and 2020 while serving as a councilwoman — of soliciting donations to her PAC and nonprofit for the construction of the statue but using the money for personal use.

Dozens of witnesses testified during the trial, including Gov. Joe Lombardo, who said that Fiore had contacted him (while he was Clark County sheriff) seeking donations for the statue. His campaign account sent a $5,000 check to Fiore’s PAC, and an FBI agent testified that shortly after, $5,000 was transferred to Fiore’s daughter’s account to purchase a money order covering Fiore’s rent.

At the time of Fiore’s indictment last summer, she was serving as a justice of the peace in Nye County, but she was then suspended from her role.

Updated on 4/18/25 at 6:08 p.m. to include a statement from Fiore's lawyer.