Florida Keys News
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Prosecutor readies sentencing request
BY JOHN L. GUERRA Citizen Staff

Randy Acevedo will learn Thursday morning whether he'll be changing addresses from 17th Terrace in Key West to a prison somewhere in Florida. That's if, before sentencing, the judge doesn't grant him the new trial he requested.

Though defense attorney Catherine Vogel said she hopes for a new trial for the suspended schools superintendent and father of three, she acknowled...

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Crime Without Punishment

Submitted on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 11:27am
Far more important and accomplished men have gone to jail as a result of being found guilty of obstruction of justice. Don't the names Ehrlichman, Haldeman and Libby ring a bell? I guess Judge Jones reads neither the law nor newspapers. But he can read his marching orders.

What benefit will the people

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 7:23am
What benefit will the people of this community reap with Mr. Acevedo in jail? Just because some will get some type of personal joy from it it serves no purpose. I believe he has been punished enough and the school board can seek restitution but if he is in jail he can't work to pay back the money that his wife [allegedly] used for her personal purchases.

probation for randy

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 3:41pm
what a shame. everyone is bought and paid for in this crooked town. he will probably not serve much of this probation either. they will find a way to cut it to a few months. the local power brokers will find him a simple job, paying him what he was making as superintendent, keep him on ice for a few years, then get him another put up job so the taxpayers will support him again. it's all so sad how these people have all the power over every facet of government. If this is a clue of how it works, don't expect much better for Monique.

What benefit????

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 11:28am
The benefit of justice being done of course. Serves no purpose?????? Are you crazy or just a family member?? How has he been punished enough?? Nothing has happend to him yet. He just lost his job so far. Should we let Bernie Madoff out of jail too? How about the guys that robbed the lobster traps? In fact, lets empty out all the jails, the prisoners have been punished enough. Stop posting here RANDY!!

It might be a deterrent to

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 10:51am by Island Girl
It might be a deterrent to others to act in a more ethical way!

RESTITUTION

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 9:42am by nickname
He can sell his house, automobiles, furniture, and hold a yard sale. He will not need any of those things in jail. He can drop his appeals, fire his attorney, and use her fees to reimburse the schools. His kids can stay at grandpas house until he gets out of jail. Then he can get a real job and repay the balance to the taxpayer.

Oh give me a break. The message must be sent! This line

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 9:16am by *.*
of comment is just another Swiftism. Acevedo broke the law. He failed the public. He knew he was doing it. He profited from his illegal activity. And if he doesn't do jail time, it sends a message that all is well in Bubba world.

And do you think for a minute they'll pay back a dime? They'll never pay it back. They'll keep hiding behind this 'indigent' crap and the taxpayers will see nothing. They're scum and should do time for their crimes, just like any other criminal.

Randy and his total lack of remorse

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 11:10pm
We own a home in Key West and spend between 6 and 8 monthes a year there. We also spend between $40,000 and $70,000 on goods and services on the island every year. We by no means are in line with the biggest spenders in town. We are not (suprise suprise) wealthy enough to be above caring how corrupt the local government is. We also have had our children in the local school district. This year it just isn't worth it. We're going to fill the house up with pedi cab drivers. We let the maid go. No more meals at Louie's and Cafe Sole..... and we'll grovel up north with the kids in a school where there's a work ethic. I am truly suprised that Ed Swift buys into Randy Acevedos claim of innocence. Randy hired someone with a GED for a PhD job. Why is everything the woman's fault? I'd be a lot more sympathetic if Randy were smart enough to acknowledge that he made the occasional error. Now, I pretty much hope he keeps himself safe in jail. Kudos to Swift and Spottswoods for taking care of their own (honestly, not tonque in cheeck), but my dollars won't be there to subsidize the hillbilly b.s. this year. You probably won't miss me. If you do... all you have to do is get rid of the hateful attitude and bring in some reputable accountants.

You're surprised at Swift buying into Acevedo's claim?

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 9:17am by *.*
You don't know Swift's crooked history or you'd not be surprised. He's far from an upstanding citizen.

"Hateful Attitude"

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 8:18am
Bye! Take somone with you.

Acevedos sentence

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 9:01pm
Before the trial Judge Mark Jones asked Acevedo if a plea had been offered and told him IF it had he better think about it since a guilty verdict could mean jail time. I hope tomorrow morning Judge Jones remembers asking this and sentences him to jail time. If not what kind of message does that send taxpayers and kids. It tells taxpayers a local can do whatever and get away with it and waste your tax dollars and it tells kids, hey you were born here you can do whatever and get away with it. Judge Jones needs to send a message to ALL and sentence him to SOME jail time. Anything less than jail time the community should be up in arms about. Do I think he will get jail time? nope..part of the clique and will be rolling around our streets just like Hendrick. If Jones does not give him jail time I would hope we as a community would get in touch with our governor and see what we could do about having him removed from the bench.

I believe justice is justice

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 7:29am
I feel if someone is wrong then their wrong! Everyone has to go through a background check when they get a job. Can he be trust worthy? I believe he did wrong for covering up wrong doing especially his loved one. If I were to do this then I would have to pay the penalty! What makes him so special. I hope he can live with himself. Good luck!

What's the governor going to do?

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 11:44pm
He just appointed Bookie's bubba as the superintendent to keep Mikey from getting fired. He hires McPherson's sister on the college board to go after the president. He's as corrupt as any bubba here.

What about the voters?

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 2:17pm by 50 year resident of Marathon and voter
Has anyone thought about all the contributions ($50K) Acevedo raised during his campaign all the while bragging about what a great financial whiz he was? And what about all the people who supported his opponent with contributions? They all got screwed out of their money. Acevedo knew about this back in 2007 and did nothing. Why? He wanted to be assured of being re-elected. Chalk up another $90K towards this guy and his lying.

I say jail time.

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 5:33pm
They should let us tax payers vote. We voted him in we should say jail time. Years ago they threw stones and hung people like them. Bubbas suck...............

The "children"

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 4:08pm
Let Ed Swift care for them.

Has anyone stopped to really

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 1:52pm
Has anyone stopped to really think about the welfare of their kids since Randy and Monique did not?

Umm..no.

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 7:06pm
At what point did it become our job to worry about the welfare of their children? Stop whining.Get over it.

Where is THE GUY...I know you are out there somewhere.

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 1:33pm
So, we know Monique got her job, without the qualifications to perform it. Now, by reading about her fathers letter...aparently not only was she not qualified to perform her job, but she's so over-medicated that she doesn't know what she's doing. My question is... WHERE'S THE GUY THAT APPLIED FOR HER JOB, BEFORE SHE HAD IT, AND LOST AGAINST HER? Where is the guy that tried to get the position, and lost an opportunity to the spouse? Does it not seem logical that there may be a personal lawsuit, misrepresentation, loss of wages, backpay, or something.... for the guy that was qualified to actually perform that job, but did not get it? I hope, THAT GUY reads this, and considers his options for punative reparations.

Is the guy who is there now?

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 4:46pm
There is a guy in there now is now cleaning up Monique's and Mark Hooper's jobs while serving as an assistant principal! I think he came from Jacksonville. He is no Conch! I fell sorry for this guy. He is my daughters Assistant Principal at HOB and is well liked by the staff. I like him as well. He has been here for a couple years. I hate when the Bubbas say that don't like hiring from the outside because people don't stay. What a load of crap! Advertise the principal and director jobs nation wide, you may find quality out there like this guy. But to answer your question, I think this guy is new and arrived after Big Mo and Big Randy [allegedly] were stealing from the poor, immigrants, unemployeed, in our community trying to better thier lives. Nobody talks about them! Just those "poor kids" of Randy and Mo. Put them both away for a long time. They are selfish pigs.

You may be right...

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 8:41pm
He may be great! But he will be a victim of Bubba Conch Affirmative Action (BCAA). They will give the jobs to the mayor's wife, Randy's Kids, etc. For some reason, people think that you must be a Conch to lead a Conch. What a bunch of garbage.

You are right!

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 2:33pm
You are right!

Colvard should sue, too

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 2:21pm by 50 year resident of Marathon and voter
Acevedo should never have been a candidate and wouldn't have if this was brought to light back when he hired her. Unfortunately, all we had looking out for us were the Gang of three, Andy, Dandy and Dumkins.

Monique trial will probably be delayed

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 10:57am
Let Randy do some time now. The kids will be able to live with their lovely mother and Randy will probably be released by the time Monique actually goes to trial. Then, if Monique is found guilty and sent to prison (like Vogel has admitted will probably happen), the kids will be able to live with their upstanding father

Hate to tell you

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 4:38pm
But they will all be 18 by then

Vogel claimed

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 9:27am
.... the state did not prove its case? Sounds more like she couldn't prove hers. Just keep in mind, if it were you or I, average citizen, we'd already be in jail. This whole thing is a huge embarrassment to us all and just another mockery of justice. No wonder the dirtbags migrate here.

Last chance! Write Judge Jones and SA Ward NOW!

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 8:37am by *.*
People, are you going to be cowed by the ilk of Ed Swift? For heavens sake, write and fax Judge Jones and Mr Ward NOW!

JUDGE JONE'S FAX: 292-3435

FAX for States Attorney: 294-7707

Good Luck Randy !

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 11:15am
Though many of you want a prison sentence for Randy , Try not to forget that this is his first offence . What will anybody gain by putting him in prison . If this conviction stands , He should be placed on probation and be made to pay restitution , which will bring money in and not cost more tax dollars through incarceration . SAVE THE PRISON BED SPACE FOR THE VIOLENT OFFENDERS !

First Conviction does not mean first Offense.

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 4:12pm
Plus, it there are multiple issues. Punishment for what he did, a clear disincentive to keep him from repeating his crime when he gets out, and thirdly...A STRONG WARNING TO OTHERS ENTRUSTED WITH PUBLIC FUNDS.

GOOD LUCK?

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 3:15pm
AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED HE CAN DO TIME AND BE MADE TO MAKE RESTITUTION ANY NORMAL CITIZEN WOULD NOT EVEN BE GIVEN AN OPTION WHITE COLLAR CRIMES ARE RAMPANT BECAUSE THEY DO NOT MAKE THEM FEEL THEY HAVE DONE WRONG FOR REAL PRISON IS REQUIRED...

He's not some Joe Schmoe

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 1:29pm
Hello!...Your boy is an "elected official." Put in office by people who instilled their trust in him to do a sworn duty. He's held to a higher standard and an example should be made of those who violate the public trust by commiting felonies.

So how about the trap

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 1:18pm
So how about the trap robbers, they have kids and a wife and are only trying to feed and support their family. Why are they in jail, let them out so they can be supported by their friends and so they can rob more traps to support their family. Let the drunks and drug dealers out they were just trying to support their family's, they have kids. Geez where does it stop???

I like your comment!!!!!!!!

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 2:34pm
I like your comment!!!!!!!! WELL SAID!!!!!

No, This Is Not Randy's 1st Offense

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 1:11pm
He was convicted by a jury of his peers of several violations of the law. So it cannot possible be his 1st offense, but merely one of several. So get a grip ... Randy Acevado is a convicted felon who violated the public trust and was complicit in the theft of public funds. He does not belong on the streets with law abiding citizens until he pays his debt, and who knows, maybe regrets it for some reason other than we happened to catch him doing it.

No wonder so many people

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 8:36am by Island Girl
No wonder so many people detest attorneys....Acevedo cannot be convicted of a crime because Monique has not been found guilty, (since her trial does not take place until October 26.) I guess that is why they wanted a speedy trial, they figured Randy would be found innocent because Monique had not yet gone to trial. What a couple of bottom feeders. Hope he gets some jail time or at least a big fine.

I still wonder why a judge

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 2:11pm by Linda
I still wonder why a judge would grant a speedy trial if charges hinged on Monique's trial. Is this a screwup of the SA office? I still feel the fact that Randy reimbursed airline tickets with personal check acknowledges he knew his wife had done wrong.

It doesn't matter if Monique has been found guilty

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 8:28am
Whether or not she did it, there was still a crime committed (which has been proven). There was misappropriation of funds and Randy was found guilty of trying to cover this up. Everyone should realize by now, that nothing truthful ever comes out of Vogels mouth. She is a disgrace. She is grasping at straw and hoping that people will fall for inane excuses. She should be put on trial for wasting our time and money with this trial and attempt to waste more of our tax dollars on another trial, which if granted, he should be found guilty again.

Randy needs some jail time.

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 8:04am
Randy had a responsibility to his family and to his employers, the citizens of Monroe County. He failed to protect his family by not removing his wife, by covering up her transgressions. And he failed his duty to his employer, his staff and ultimately the students of Monroe County. It may have seemed like difficult choices but he made the wrong ones and must pay for his crime.

Jail Time

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 11:03am
Yes, he has been proven guilty and he deserves jail time. While another first-time offender might get away with probation, community service, etc., let's not forget he was an elected official. He owed a higher level of trust and fiscal responsibility to the community. Politicians are placed in positions of power and authority, and if they violate that power and authority, they deserve to pay.

Jail time

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 8:44am by freckles
I agree what did trying to cover for his wife is wrong and what's wrong is wrong. No exceptions....everyone needs to pay for thier crime.

The writing in on the wall

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 1:57am
The writing is already on the wall, unfortunately the Bubba system wins again. 10 to 1 no jail time, instead the customary sentence of probation and community service like the rest of the Conch Bubba Crooks (CBCs). What a shame that this is viewed as acceptable behavior by the self-anointed leaders of Key West. No wonder the youth in this city are bordering on moral bankruptcy. Look a what trash they have to look up to. The CBCs have tainted the term conch. It is now synonymous with such disgusting terms as convicted felon, crook, bubba, randy, Monique, hendricks, Chimo, Bookie, rookie, snookie, and all the other cool nicknames the CBC's give each other. They are no better then the houseboat drunks chasing each other with box cutters, or the drug dealers busted with cocaine, all are criminals and all should be in jail. What a shame, no longer will the term conch come from my mouth with pride, instead it comes with shame and digust.

BUBBAS

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 4:34pm
I am not from Key West but there seems to be a jealousy over BUBBAS. My kids were born and raised here and I would not have it any other way. If you do not like it leave town, no one is forcing you to stay. This is what BUBBAS mean, Building Unity Between Brothers And Sisters. Not that bad of a thing.

Not a bad thing

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 7:12am
As long as the unity you atest to build isn't a cover up of wrong doing by your crooked "brothers & sisters".

Then you are obviously part of the problem

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 11:50pm
if you condone stealing from our children for your selfish greed. US1 is available for you to leave also.

BUBBAS

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 11:43am
Obviously you are to ignorant to realize that I was not talking about Randy but the BUBBAS who always come together when anyone in our community is in need.

Conchs

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 1:31pm
you seem to forget Key West's long and questionable history. Pirates once called this island home, and the let's not forget about the salvagers putting up false light houses on the reef, and then pilfering the spoils from the wrecks. In much more recent history you had the Police standing guard at Smather's Beach while the freighters unloaded tons of grass in broad daylight. Oh, and let's not forget all the boat captains that during the Mariel boat lift, charged 10'000 a head and then dumped the "cargo" off in the Florida straits, to go back for another human load. How many "upstanding Key West citizens" made their money off of drugs and corruption? I am a Conch, and proud of it, but to say that this generation is any worse then previous ones is just wrong.

Wrong

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 7:11pm
Pirates never called Key West home. That is a farcepeople haveused to make money. Study your history. As to the rest? Well, your facts are close but again, go to the library and learn the real story as oposed to your friends at the bar who hae only been here a year or so.

I disagree. I have looked it

Submitted on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 12:57am
I disagree. I have looked it up, and there were pirates in the southern seas until well into the 19th Century, and one of their favorite hunting grounds was off of key West, or "Bone Island". Admittedly most of the pirate population was based in the Tortugas, but that is really splitting hairs. The American Navy ran the pirates off by 1830, but by then the wreckers were making so much money by salvaging the victims of their treachery that Key West was the richest city in the country. Wouldn't you call that Piracy? As to my bar friends it has been a long time, but I was born and raised on the island. As to the rest of my facts, the sources are unimpeachable. I lived in Key West from the late sixties till the late eighties, and am a 5th generation Conch.

well now we send aircraft

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 7:11pm
well now we send aircraft carriers after Somalian pirates, and send old ladies to jail for having a joint...welcome to the 21st century grandpa...jail for RA and MA!

I agree if you hate it here

Submitted on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 10:23am
I agree if you hate it here so much and think of the CBC as trash why do you live here. Hit the highway.
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