Prosecutor open to possible plea deal in schools finance scandal

But Acevedo's lawyer hasn't approached him

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By SEAN KINNEY

skinney@keynoter.com

Posted - Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:43 AM EDT

Now that suspended Monroe County schools Superintendent Randy Acevedo has been convicted of three felonies involving his wife's alleged theft, prosecutors say a plea deal with the wife, Monique Acevedo, is possible.

"Mrs. Acevedo's attorney has not approached me about a plea offer," Assistant State Attorney Mark Wilson told the Keynoter. But, "I'm always amenable to discussions about a potentially negotiated plea. Obviously, it depends on the terms. They certainly haven't approached me."

Monique Acevedo's trial is scheduled for Oct. 26 before Circuit Court Judge Mark Jones in Key West. Her attorney, Chief Assistant Public Defender Patricia Docherty, said she would ask Jones for a delay.

Wilson, the county's chief public corruption prosecutor, is fresh off winning convictions on Friday against Randy Acevedo. A six-person jury convicted him of three felony counts of official misconduct, finding him guilty of covering up his wife's alleged malfeasance.

He's set for sentencing Sept. 17 before Jones. Wilson wouldn't divulge whether prosecutors would seek a harsh penalty.

He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, but because he has no prior offenses, probation is a possibility.

Monique Acevedo is charged with three felony counts of grand theft and one of fraud for allegedly stealing nearly $200,000 in Monroe County School District money when she served as the district's coordinator of adult education. That money reportedly came from cash tuition payments, and a Key West High School eighth-grade fundraiser. She quit her job in March.

Prosecutors expect to add more charges related to her alleged misuse of a district credit card. They say that when it's all tallied, some $500,000 may have been misappropriated from the district.

Wilson called additional charges against Monique Acevedo "a virtual certainty."

In her husband's trial, prosecutors had to prove to jurors that the former superintendent knew of his wife's alleged theft. By convicting him, some say, it sent a message that they believe the charges against the wife are valid.

Wilson brought forth evidence that district Finance Director Kathy Reitzel brought to Randy Acevedo, on Feb. 12, evidence that $29,000 in district money was misappropriated. Wilson wanted to introduce evidence of an additional $120,000 in theft but Jones ruled it inadmissible.

Both Wilson and Docherty said the outcome of Randy Acevedo's trial doesn't have any bearing on the prosecution and defense, respectively, of Monique Acevedo.

"Her jury, I think, will probably have the opportunity to see a great deal more evidence," Wilson said.

Randy Acevedo's attorney, Catherine Vogel, hasn't said if she plans to appeal the verdict. Any appeal would go to the Third District Court of Appeal in Miami.