Pahrump Judge Labeled a ‘Domestic Terrorist’

Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman and current suspended Pahrump Justice Court judge Michele Fiore was classified as a “domestic terrorist” by the federal government in 2020, her lawyer disclosed in recent court documents. The designation stems from Fiore’s public support for Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in an armed standoff with federal agents in 2014.

Fiore is facing federal charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, following a July indictment by a federal grand jury. Prosecutors allege that Fiore misused more than $70,000 in charitable donations intended to fund memorial statues for a fallen Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer, using the money for personal expenses such as rent, travel, and her daughter’s wedding.

Fiore has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with her trial scheduled for later this year.

Fiore’s attorney, Michael Sanft, argued in court filings this week that her domestic terrorist designation has unfairly impacted her legal proceedings. Sanft claimed that during Fiore’s arraignment in July, her security threat level was heightened due to the designation, first applied in 2020 and later downgraded from Level I to Level II without explanation.

“The designation of Ms. Fiore as a Level I Domestic Terrorist, later modified to Level II, without any discovery or justification is disturbing,” Sanft wrote. He also called it “an unfathomable proposition” to label an elected official with over a decade of service to Nevada as a domestic terrorist.

Fiore’s designation is reminiscent of the treatment of former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who was similarly labeled a terrorist after publicly criticizing the Democratic Party and the federal government. The connection between Fiore’s support for Bundy and her subsequent labeling by the government raises concerns about the use of such designations against political figures.

The charges, dating back to 2017 and 2022, accuse her of founding and mismanaging funds for the memorial statues, meant to honor a fallen police officer, and redirecting the money for personal use. Fiore has denied the accusations and maintains her innocence.

During a recent court session, attorneys indicated that the trial could last over two weeks. They also requested permission for out-of-state witnesses to testify remotely.

While U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey confirmed the court’s ability to accommodate such requests, federal prosecutors sought a private discussion regarding the logistics of certain witnesses. Dorsey briefly closed the courtroom, questioning why the remainder of the hearing should be conducted privately, given the absence of a jury and the public interest in open judicial proceedings.