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Nevada judge used fallen-officer donations to pay for daughter’s wedding, prosecutors say

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Nevada judge used fallen-officer donations to pay for daughter’s wedding, prosecutors say


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An ex Las Vegas councilwoman, former assembly member and current Nevada judge has been federally charged in connection with an alleged charity fraud scheme in which prosecutors say she pocketed more than $70,000 in donations intended to honor fallen officers.

Michele Fiore, 53, is charged with four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, The U.S. Justice Department announced Wednesday.

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According to the indictment handed down on Tuesday in Las Vegas, Fiore, who lives in the town of Pahrump, “solicited donations to build a statue honoring Las Vegas police officers” killed in the line of duty as a then-Las Vegas city councilwoman.

Pahrump is a small town not far from the California state line, at the southernmost tip of Nye County where Fiore is a justice of the peace.

Fiore is “a conservative firebrand and fervent gun-rights advocate who published a calendar of herself pictured with various high-powered firearms”, the Reno Gazette Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network reported. As an assemblywoman in 2015 she introduced a campus carry bill that would have allowed concealed carry permit holders to have guns on college campuses, at K-12 schools and at day care facilities.

Funds raised were to create statue to honor fallen officers

Fiore allegedly promised donors “100% of the contributions” would be used to create the statue, the indictment alleges.

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But prosecutors said Fiore did not use the tens of thousands of dollars in charitable donations for the statue of the fallen officer and instead converted the money to her personal use.

“The donations were used to pay her political fundraising bills and rent and were transferred to family members, including to pay for her daughter’s wedding,” officials wrote in the release.

Federal court papers obtained by USA TODAY show Fiore is represented by Las Vegas-based attorney George P. Kelesis and was slated to enter a plea on the charges Friday.

USA TODAY has reached out to Kelesis.

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Michele Fiore faces up to 20 years in prison on each felony count

The FBI Las Vegas Field Office is investigating the case which remained open Thursday, officials said.

If convicted, she faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each criminal felony count.

Contributing: Jeffrey Meehan with the Reno Gazette Journal.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

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Nevada designates Sunrise Hospital as Level 1 trauma center in Las Vegas

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Nevada designates Sunrise Hospital as Level 1 trauma center in Las Vegas


Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center has been officially designated as a Level I Trauma Center by the State of Nevada, the highest level of trauma care available, the hospital announced Tuesday.

The designation is expected to strengthen the Las Vegas hospital’s ability to recruit and train leading physicians, advance trauma research and deliver the highest level of care for the community.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Governor Lombardo for recognizing the need for this important designation and allowing us the ability to train and attract top-tier physicians in Nevada and engage in trauma research,” said Todd P. Sklamberg, CEO of Sunrise Hospital. “We also want to recognize our physicians, first responders, regulatory partners and the broader community for their continued support throughout this process.”

MORE: Sunrise Trauma sees rise e-bike, e-scooter injuries in early 2026, many brain-related

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Level I Trauma Centers are equipped to deliver total care for every aspect of injury — from prevention through rehabilitation — and must meet rigorous standards established by state and national accrediting bodies.

The designation also affirms Sunrise Hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence, continuous research and education in trauma care.

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“Congratulations to Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center on this extraordinary milestone that will strengthen Nevada’s healthcare system and move our state forward,” Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said. “Level I Trauma Center designation reflects the highest standard of care and ensures that communities in Southern Nevada have access to lifesaving services when they need them most. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated healthcare professionals and first responders whose commitment continues to elevate patient care across the state.”

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5.7 earthquake hits northern Nevada; damage reported

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5.7 earthquake hits northern Nevada; damage reported


LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – An earthquake struck in the northern part of Nevada on Monday, causing at least some “light” to “moderate” damage in some of the immediate surrounding areas, according to reports gathered by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck shortly before 6:30 p.m. PST on Monday near Fallon, Nevada, about 12 miles southeast of Silver Springs, the USGS reported.

The area is just 40 miles northeast of the state capital, Carson City, and 400 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

An intensity map made using data gathered by the USGS shows reports of “light” to “moderate” damage observed around the epicenter of a 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Monday near Fallon, Nevada. (Credit: USGS)

Data gathered by the USGS shows reports of “light” to “moderate” damage observed around the epicenter of a 5.7 magnitude quake, along with “strong” to “very strong” shaking. The jolts were enough to shatter glass and scatter products along the floor of a grocery store in the town of Fallon, as seen in images shared with the Associated Press.

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Fallon Nevada Earthquake aftermath
Items are scattered across grocery store aisle floors in Fallon, Nevada. on Monday, April 13, 2026 after a magnitude-5.7 earthquake. (Kaitlin Ritchie via AP)

Trina Enloe told the news agency that she was sitting with one of her daughters as she did homework in their dining room when the quake hit.

“You could hear the rumbling just coming before it even got to us,” Enloe said. The shaking continued for about a minute, she added, during which some cast-iron candle holders were knocked over. Enloe didn’t see any cracks or damage in her home, though.

Those in Nevada with similar experiences are advised to contribute a report through the USGS’s “Felt Report” platform.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.



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Earthquake rattles northern Nevada

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Earthquake rattles northern Nevada


RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – An earthquake was felt across northern Nevada Monday night. The United State Geological Survey reports the magnitude at 5.5. It was centered about 12 miles southeast of Silver Springs. Several aftershocks were reported in the area, the largest measuring at magnitude-3.6.

People reported feeling the quake across northern Nevada and into California.

There are no reports of any damage so far.

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