Michele Fiore is waiting to find out if she can get her job back as a Pahrump Justice of the Peace. A state commission held a hearing Friday to decide if her presidential pardon changes anything.
The Big Question
The hearing focused on one main question: Should Fiore’s suspension continue even though President Trump pardoned her? Commissioners met via Zoom to figure out whether she “poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public or the administration of justice.”
Fiore’s lawyer, Paola Armeni, argued that the suspension should end immediately. She said two things: First, the pardon clears everything up. Second, keeping her suspended was outside the commission’s power because her crimes happened when she was a Las Vegas city councilwoman, not a judge.
Commissioner Karl Armstrong didn’t give any hints about which way they were leaning. He just told Armeni they’d let her know their decision later. Then they went into private session to talk it over.
The Background
While serving on the Las Vegas City Council, Fiore raised money for a police memorial statue. Instead of using the donations for that purpose, she spent the money on personal expenses like cosmetic procedures and her daughter’s wedding.
A jury found her guilty of wire fraud in October 2024. She faced up to 140 years in prison and was scheduled for sentencing on May 14. But Trump pardoned her in late April.
After her conviction, the judicial commission suspended her without pay. She had been appointed as a Pahrump judge in 2022 and won election to the position in 2023.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This case hits several key issues for conservatives who believe in limited government:
Accountability matters. When officials break the law, should they keep their government jobs? Even with a pardon, some argue that public trust is broken.
Presidential power. The Constitution gives presidents broad pardon power. Some conservatives see this as Trump protecting someone from an unfair system. Others worry about the message it sends.
Local control. Pahrump voters elected Fiore knowing about her legal troubles. Some believe that voters, not bureaucrats, should decide who represents them.
The Bigger Picture
This case shows how messy government can get. You have federal pardons, state ethics rules, local elections, and judicial oversight all colliding.
For conservatives, it raises a key question: Who decides when someone is fit for public office? The voters? The president? A state commission?
What Happens Next
The commission could:
- Give her the job back immediately
- Keep her suspended
- Set up conditions for her return
- Order a trial period
Whatever they decide will likely face appeals, meaning more delays and legal battles.
While this drags on, Pahrump only has one judge handling all cases. That means longer waits for justice for regular folks.
Fiore has already said she wants to run for Nevada State Treasurer next year. So even if she gets her judge job back, she might not keep it for long.
The Bottom Line
This case will send a message about whether pardons are a complete do-over or just a way to avoid prison. Either way, it’s a reminder that even in politics, actions should have consequences.
For conservatives who believe in the rule of law, this is about more than one person or one job. It’s about whether our system holds everyone accountable, regardless of their political connections.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
Read our prior coverage:
Trump Pardons Former Las Vegas Councilwoman Michele Fiore After Fraud Conviction
“They Kept Saying Plastic Surgery”: Michele Fiore Tells All After Trump Pardon
