A judge has dismissed Michele Fiore’s request for a new trial following her conviction in October for federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges. Fiore was accused of misusing funds raised for a statue honoring a fallen police officer for personal expenses. Her attorneys had filed for a new trial, citing the exclusion of her daughter’s testimony and claims of ineffective counsel. However, U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Dorsey rejected the motion, stating that the evidence supporting the jury’s verdict was sufficient.
Fiore’s defense argued that her daughter, Sheena Siegel, could have supported her case by testifying that the funds were used for charitable purposes. Siegel’s testimony was struck after she invoked her Fifth Amendment rights following an admission that she might have illegally signed a check. The defense claimed her immunity agreement was wrongly revoked.
Additionally, Fiore’s current attorneys criticized her previous counsel for not adequately challenging certain testimonies and argued that her prosecution was driven by political animus. They pointed to Fiore’s past involvement in politically sensitive cases as a factor. The judge had previously ruled out claims of vindictive prosecution, and the motion for a new trial was ultimately dismissed, leaving Fiore to prepare for sentencing and potential appeals.