Former Adult Education Coordinator Monique Acevedo's trial date is set for 8:45 a.m. Aug. 24 in the Freeman Justice Center in Key West.

It is unknown whether her trial will start as scheduled. It is not uncommon for trial dates to be postponed, or continued in legal parlance, as prosecutors and defense attorneys ask for more time to prepare their cases.

One obstacle could be Acevedo's potential lack of representation, as her current attorney has asked the court to excuse him from the case, citing Acevedo's inability to pay him. Circuit Judge David Jones will hear attorney Nathan Eden's request at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, but it is unknown whether he will render a decision immediately or at a later date.

The Public Defender's Office is preparing, however, in case Jones asks it to take over her defense, Assistant State Attorney Mark Wilson said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, her husband, suspended Schools Super-intendent Randy Acevedo, is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:45 a.m. Thursday in the Freeman Justice Center.

Though attorney Jerry Ballarotto previously has talked to the press on Randy Acevedo's behalf, he has not filed official court papers to represent him, Wilson said.

Catherine Vogel, a private defense attorney and former chief assistant state attorney, could take Randy Acevedo's case, Wilson said. Vogel was Wilson's boss under the former state attorney, Mark Kohl. She resigned soon after Dennis Ward took office.

Monique Acevedo faces a maximum 60 years in prison on two felony counts: fraud in excess of $50,000 and theft of $180,334 in cash-only cosmetology student and salon services fees.

Randy Acevedo faces a maximum five years in prison on a third-degree felony count of official misconduct. He is accused of trying to cover up her alleged misspending of school money.