Florida Keys News
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Acevedo attorney wants trial delayed
BY JOHN L. GUERRA Citizen Staff

Monique Acevedo's public defender will ask for a continuance at this morning's pretrial hearing until the state attorney is finished charging her client, she said Wednesday.

Patricia Docherty on Wednesday said she does not want to proceed until State Attorney Dennis Ward charges Acevedo with using her school-district credit card to make personal purchases, which he has said could be this week.

"I'm still waiting to hear from him to see if they've finished filing charges, such as the alleged credit card [purchases]," Docherty said. "It makes absolutely no sense to depose one witness on one charge, then re-depose that same witness on another charge. It's going to be delayed until we know we're done with the charges."

Acevedo, the former Adult Education coordinator and class of 2012 sponsor, currently is charged with fraud and theft, accused of stealing at least $180,000 in cosmetology fees and $1,000 in ninth-grade fundraising money.

Assistant State Attorney Mark Wilson said he was surprised Docherty had not filed any motions, such as asking to see the prosecutor's evidence and/or deposing the state's witnesses.

"Is Mark surprised he hasn't filed all the charges left?" Docherty laughed. "The investigation against my client started when?"

Docherty said she has all the court documents from the already-tried case against Acevedo's husband, suspended Schools Superintendent Randy Acevedo, and plans to depose witnesses on all the accusations, not just the two.

If convicted, Monique Acevedo faces 80 years in state prison, without the anticipated new charges.

Presiding over her trial, scheduled for Oct. 26, will be Circuit Court Judge Mark Jones. He is the same judge who sentenced Randy Acevedo to three years' probation, a $15,000 fine and eight hours a month of community service. A jury convicted him on three felony counts of official misconduct for trying to cover up his wife's alleged wrongdoing.

Today's hearing begins at 10 a.m. in the Freeman Justice Center, Courtroom B.

Monique Acevedo isn't expected to be at the hearing, Ward said.

jguerra@keysnews.com

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For me, it is better to make

Submitted on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 3:57am
For me, it is better to make a peaceful agreement between you and the defendant if the case is just minor but if its already a criminal case then you really should file for one. And in order for you to win, you have to have a complete document about the person you're filing for a complaint and a complete evidences to show in the court. auto glass ny

grocery money?

Submitted on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 12:29am
It may be safe to say...Im sure they spent half of their school loot on groceries....looks like mo and randy are still eating like kings

Monroe Schools need to cull more bad people.

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 3:59pm
I hear bad stories about our schools every day, why does MCSD have a Drug policy but has never tested the Staff and Teachers? MCSD needs to be run by the State not the county. They still need to get to the bottom of the others in Adult Ed that were only given positions because they were friends of Randy's.

Monroe Schools

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 5:38pm
Instead of listening to bad stories about our schools every day, why don't you pick one, any one you wish, and go visit it for awhile. ( Of course, speak to the principal first). I think you would learn a lot and be impressed with what you see. Most people are, once they see what really goes on in our schools.

Would but cannot get a return call

Submitted on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 1:02pm
I have called Sugarloaf School to go visit-to see if its a good school for my grandaughter-have been given a voice mail each time I call and have not recieved a return call yet! Would love to speak to the principal or actually anyone who would return a call!

That's Terry Axford for you

Submitted on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 9:20am by 50 year resident of Marathon and voter
Great principal, right?

Bubba Judge Jones

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 2:03pm by sam
Hope you do the right thing this time!!!!!!

look at her new mug shot.

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 3:48pm by M
look at her new mug shot. and bail is only $50000. ($5,000)

BUBBA KARMA

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 3:21pm
AMEN TO THAT, BUT I DON'T SEE IT HAPPENING. THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOULD UNITE AND DEMAND JUSTICE FROM JONES. RANDY GOT AWAY WITH A CRIME: DON'T LET WIFEY DO THE SAME. MY SON HAD TO BORROW TV PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT FROM SCHOOL FOR HIS PROJECTS WHILE THE ACEVEDO BOY HAD (HAS!) HIS OWN. TELL ME THAT DAD DIDN'T KNOW WHERE THE MONEY FOR THAT CAME FROM!? THESE FOLKS DOING HARM HAVE SOME REALLY BAD KARMA, NO DOUBT. BUBBA KARMA. WHAT A CONCEPT.

See that key beside the

Submitted on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 10:30am by Meg
See that key beside the “A” key on your keyboard? I believe it’s called Caps Lock. Try pressing it sometime.

TOTAL B.S

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 1:44pm
I HAD TO SHOW FOR MY COURT HEARING OR GET ARRESTED BUT MISS PRINCESS GETS TO STAY HOME?????WHEN IS THIS GARBAGE GONNA STOP!she is a criminal now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!too bad shes nice too bad about her kids treat her equally!you didnt care if i was nice you couldnt care less about my kids so burn the witch!!!!!

You go Girl/Boy!!!

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 9:53pm
It makes perfect sense!!!!

Do you know English? that

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 2:18pm
Do you know English? that comment makes no sense! I t would be nice if you weren't illiterate.

Now I have to correct you.

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 2:54pm
If you are so literate, you would know to capitalize the t in that. Also there is no space between the I and t in it. People in glass houses.....

No request for a change of venue with all of this publicity?

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 1:39pm

What does that tell you?

The fix is in and the defense wants a trial here in bubbaville

I give up...

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 12:49pm
You guys win..I give up. Your right, corruption will prevail over Justice. Thanks Judge Jones for nailing that one on the head..Sorry for leaving comments that Randy and Monique should pay for their crimes..I didn't know what I was thinking. I just thought since [she allegedly] stoled from your childrens education you would care enough to stand up for this slap in your face. Who was I to think that crime doesn't pay in Key West. Please accept my apoligy.

Too bad the school doesnt

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 12:16pm
Too bad the school doesnt have a lobstering program. Then these two could do jail time for messing with lobsters. It is sad when lobsters and crabs are more important than our children.

Monique will walk with Probation

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 11:31am by don't have a nickname
Monique will walk with probation just like Randy. The same judge will make sure of that. It's bubba justice. The way it has always been. No use getting angry. It's like the dark ages. You or I would be behind bars, but not them. Bubba justice will prevail. New people in town for ten years or under don't understand it. But that's just how it works. Nobody can change it. Get used to it. It's not right...just the way it is. Unfortunately.

Set Monique free!

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 9:51am
Since Monique has already been charged, tried and convicted in this rag by the court of popular opinion also known as the mob mentality, I am for a dismissal and letting her go on with her life.

If the court of popular opinion has already convicted Monique

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 2:01pm
then let the court of popular opinion also sentence her.

Set Monique Free

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 11:32am by don't have a nickname
That's right. She needs to go shopping.

SHOP SHOP SHOP

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 12:45pm
shop till you drop!

Well...

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 9:36am by Meg
Might as well just quit following this case right now. With Jones on the bench, another light slap on the wrist will be all that comes of this. No justice for those who voted the elected officials into office or, most importantly, the kids that got affected by this scandal. Good thing they live in Key West. I will be at the poles to cast my vote… that’s for sure!

Economic Excuse In Waiting

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 9:33am
Lets say Monique gets a similar fate as her husband - probation, fine, community sevice - and lets say the couple files bankruptcy in their 'trying financial time', will they still be responsible for the fines? Or do those get washed away in bankruptcy? They have come up with every excuse possible, I can't wait for this one!

Re: Economic Excuse

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 1:24pm
They should hire Stevie P. to handle their finances. After all isn't he a good bookkeeper? What do you mean bookkeeper, I thought he was a CPA? That's OK don't worry so does he....

That's your best defense?

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 11:31pm
Change the subject, is that the best you can come up with? She was charged with buying "Sexy Ride-Me-Cowboy" and "Sexy Delivery Girl" costumes with her school P-Card. What does that have to do with Pribramsky? According to the police report, her sons put the stolen goods in the high school storage shed. I don't think an accountant can help with this one.

EEWW_EEWW_EEWW

Submitted on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 10:36am by Linda
Too much info (costumes). Hadn't heard that one yet about the sons.

CITIZEN'S ACCURACY IN REPORTING IS TERRIBLE

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 9:02am
Acevado's fine was set at $15,000, not the $150,000 reported in this article.


BR>Three days ago, in an article about the mayoral candidates, the Citizen stated that McPherson was a business owner. Excuse me, but exactly what business does Mayor Morgan McPherson own? Certainly not the Medifast scamming business he tried to pull with our kids school lunches. Either state what the business is or put out a retraction/correction the same as any real newspaper would do.

McPherson's business

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 11:21am
McPherson and his father own M&M Realty.

Broker

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 2:04pm
Which one is the broker ? By the way, stop giving Randy and Morgan a hard time about medifast. It was all the idea of Dr Bruce Boros. He really needs to make more money to support his friends running for office. Go for the finish line Morgan !

Has Morgan ever even sold a house? - NO

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 1:37pm

He's not a member of the Key West Board of Realtors and if M &M is a member he would have to be

Yet the Key West Board of Realtors contributes to Morgan's campaign

This is as much a business as is his church

You people are...

Submitted on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 1:43pm
all going to have to ask your Higher Power for forgiveness just as much as Monique and all who have done wrong. The nasty things that are said on this Citizens page is also a sin in God's eyes. I believe that you people love attacking people just because it makes you feel good. You folks are cowards. I bet it makes you feel good, doesn't it. Why don't you sign your names and be known. If you people met the Mcphersons, I mean really met them and know them you would have to eat your words. They are a wonderful, strong and loving family. Quit the attacks and find something positive to talk about. Help someone who is in need, feed someone who is hungry. The Citizen should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this it only fuels the fire of anger and hate. Yes, what they did is wrong (The Acevedo's) and they are paying for it. Don't keep badgering their friends and the locals. Pattie

Same judge as Randy

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 8:03am
There is something fishy going on here. I wonder why would Judge Jones preside over Monique's case as well as Randy's. It still baffles me that Randy was convicted of 3 felonies and didn't receive any jail time. Who cares if it was a white collar crime...those are usually the ones the deal with the most money. This court system makes shiver just thinking that Monique could get off with community service because she has a "shopping disorder". Martha Stewart was convicted of a felony and even she got jail time.

Not right

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 12:28pm
Usually if u go to trial on 3 felonies and lose u usually go to prison first time or not that's y everybody pleas out cause they knowif they lose there gone. I thought he would atleast get a year. If monique gets convicted I think she's only going to go to prison for 3 to 5 years but how things are going she will probably get 1 to 2. Remember the guy who swindle that kid out of $150,000 he got 2 years in prison so let's see what happens and it's the same judge.

Same Judge

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 11:33am by don't have a nickname
Get used to it. She will walk with probation.

white collar crimes

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 10:58am
you can steal more with a briefcase than you can with a gun

Judge Auldin let them both out without bail

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 8:29am

Why does Monique qualify for a public defender?

Another gift from Jones or Auldin?

$15,000 fine

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 7:56am
not $150,000...

You gotta be kidding me, judge jones?!

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 7:53am
OH NO!! Not judge jones!!! this is BS!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! If the case was going on the 26th she'll be walking the streets before Halloween!ohhh man.....Judge Jones do something Right and JUST this time!

she'll be walking the streets before Halloween?

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 8:12pm by 4:25am by N. Sane
Damn, and I've been working on my Miss Mo costume for weeks now; it wasn't easy finding that blouse from her April mug shot in a size 2x!

Let's see: Mark Jones,

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 6:59am by M
Let's see: Mark Jones, again, and Barry Gibson's wife is her public defender? Can't wait for Gibsons kid to get to public school and have the teachers begging him for paper and pencils for the class. Maybe then it will hit home what Monique has done to our kids. Acevedo is always at McPhersons house and you know how Gibson and McPherson are.

Goofy Comments Masquerading As Shocking Revelations

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 12:42pm

This nasty little forum is full of goofy comments masquerading as shocking revelations. It may come as a surprise to you, bubba, but most Conchs and their families have known each other for many, many years (sometimes generations) and are close, personal friends. So, why wouldn’t they socialize frequently?

Further, I doubt that teachers are going to beg anyone for anything or that the Gibsons are going to have an epiphany when their “kid” gets to public school. Stop the phony dramatic indignation and go do something productive.

I am embarrassed for you.

I am leaving here

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 9:39pm
I have been here for 10 years. I no longer see any beauty or charm. You Conchs can have your island. You have driven the gays away,and now you are driving away people like me. I am a spender. I support the restaurants, and local business's. This forum has shown me that this is a dirty little island, and it is only going to get worse. I remember coming here in the 70's and all the drug runs. I had a friend with 4 charter boats. He had to sell them because mates were always "borrowing" them, and doing drug runs. We would go to a local bar, and people would come up and ask if he was interested in doing drug runs? That was so small compared to now. We have a mayor that is a patsy. We have a school system that is so sad. We have people like the Spotswoods and the Swifts who are greedy. We have the stores on Duval that are just laundering money. My son graduated from law school and thought he wanted to practice here. He lasted a year and said he had to get out of here. We are leaving too.. I won't be sad. The only sadness I will feel if for what this beautiful little Island could have been. The word is Quaint.

And We Thank You !

Submitted on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 11:12am
So glad to hear that another hater is leaving ! Damn , If I didn't have to work so hard to pay my cost of living , I'd help you pack and even give you gas money ! So long Pal , We won't miss you or your money ! Key West lost it's true beauty years ago when you rich folks came down here and bought up all the property , jacked up all the rents , yanked up almost all of the native fruit trees to plant flowers , over fished our waters then invited all your rich friends to come down here to do the same thing ! Thanks to people like you , Key West will never be the same so once again , Thanks for leaving !

Quaint is the problem.

Submitted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 11:00pm
I sometimes wish my hometown had not been so quaint. It's generations of citizens would still be living there, instead of being pushed up into the mainland, where they will never fit in, so that newcomers w/ money could experience the islands quaintness. The gays are leaving? I thought they were the first ones to treat our island like a playground, and gentrify our neighborhoods, and drive up the tax burden so that those who owned homes could not afford to live there anymore? The rich gay men had a good run, and are just reaping what they sowed, as are the Spotswoods and swifts, who sold the island out, till there was nothing Quaint left. What once made Key West so cool to live in was the fact that one did not have to follow the same rules as the rest of the world. There was a freedom of expression, and a lack of piousness that is missing in the real world,that Has sadly caught up even w/ Key West. So good luck on your new home, and I hope for the current inhabitants sake, it is not too quaint. I wonder what your home town is like, and when you go home, do you still recognize it, or know any of the people who live there?
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