An attorney representing former Adult Education Coordinator Monique Acevedo has asked a judge to remove him from her fraud and theft case because she can't afford the cost of her defense, according to a motion filed in circuit court Friday.

Acevedo, the wife of suspended Schools Superintendent Randy Acevedo, is accused of stealing more than $180,000 in cash-only cosmetology student and salon services fees. Prosecutors have said additional charges are likely, relating to the alleged use of her school district credit card for personal purchases.

Key West attorney Nathan Eden, whom Acevedo hired April 10 to fight the state charges, stated in his motion that Acevedo "cannot pay fees and is without funds to adequately fund any defense of the charges."

Eden said the charges ultimately filed against his client -- one felony count of fraud in excess of $50,000 and a felony county of theft of more than $180,000 -- "were totally different" than what he expected the charges to be.

Eden must have circuit Judge Mark Jones' permission to remove himself from the case. He is scheduled to go before Jones at 10:30 a.m. Thursday to argue the motion.

Eden did not return The Citizen's calls seeking comment Monday.

If Acevedo can't afford a lawyer, the Monroe County Public Defenders' Office could appoint an attorney to defend her.

Court records show the Acevedos' home was in foreclosure in 2007, a mortgage problem the couple resolved last year. Both Acevedos are now unemployed: Monique Acevedo resigned March 3 and Randy Acevedo was suspended without pay by Gov. Charlie Crist on June 11, the day after a grand jury indicted him on a charge of official misconduct.

If convicted, she faces a maximum 60 years in prison and he faces a maximum five years and a $5,000 fine.