‘Lady Trump’ Denied New Trial After Misusing Charity Funds for Slain Officer’s Memorial

Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore, once dubbed “Lady Trump” for her fiery conservative politics, has been denied a new trial after being found guilty of funneling charity money into her own pocket — money that was meant to honor a fallen police officer.

A federal judge rejected Fiore’s request for another shot at defending herself in court, sealing a major chapter in a fraud case that has shocked many in the community.

A Fundraiser with a Dark Twist

Back in 2022, Fiore helped launch a fundraiser to build a memorial statue for a Las Vegas police officer who had been killed in the line of duty. The effort tugged at heartstrings across the city — donations poured in from residents who believed they were supporting a noble cause.

But according to prosecutors, that money never made it to the memorial. Instead, more than $50,000 in donations were used to cover Fiore’s personal expenses, including rent, cosmetic procedures, and even her daughter’s wedding.

When the story came to light, it stunned many who had trusted Fiore not only as a public official but as someone who claimed to stand firmly behind law enforcement.

Jury Wasn’t Convinced by Her Defense

In October 2024, a jury convicted Fiore on six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The evidence was clear, prosecutors said, and jurors seemed to agree. The verdict came down quickly, and many saw it as a decisive blow against someone they believed had betrayed the public’s trust.

Fiore’s legal team wasn’t ready to give up. Her attorneys filed for a new trial, arguing that key evidence had been excluded and that Fiore’s daughter, who took the stand but invoked the Fifth Amendment, had been unfairly used against her.

But on Monday, U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey shut down the request. In her ruling, the judge said the case had been handled properly and that the jury had more than enough evidence to reach its decision.

Fiore Still Fighting Back

Despite the court’s ruling, Fiore isn’t backing down. Her attorney, Paola Armeni, said they were disappointed but not surprised by the decision and are now preparing for the next phase — sentencing.

“She absolutely maintains her innocence,” Armeni said, adding that Fiore plans to file an appeal. “This isn’t over.”

Fiore, once a rising star in Nevada Republican circles and a former mayoral candidate, now faces the possibility of a long prison sentence. Each wire fraud count carries a potential 20-year maximum penalty. Sentencing is scheduled for later this year.

A Fall from Grace

Fiore’s political brand was loud, brash, and unapologetically conservative. She earned the nickname “Lady Trump” for her vocal support of former President Donald Trump and often leaned into controversial positions. But even some of her former supporters are now distancing themselves, stunned by the nature of the charges.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said one Las Vegas resident who donated to the memorial fund and asked not to be named. “We gave that money to honor a hero. It’s hard to believe someone we trusted could do this.”

The statue, by the way, was never built.

What Happens Next?

Fiore’s sentencing will determine just how much time she could serve behind bars, but the damage to her reputation may already be beyond repair. For now, she remains free on bond, but she faces a long road ahead, both legally and personally.

Whether or not her appeal is successful, one thing is clear: the fallout from this case has shaken faith in political leadership and raised questions about how charity funds are monitored and managed — especially when they’re tied to causes as emotional and important as honoring fallen public servants.