Tampa, Florida -- A former Bloomingdale High School teacher accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill another teacher was back in court on Monday.
James Pepe told the judge he no longer wants Joe Episcopo representing him. The judge appointed a public defender to represent him until a new attorney can take over.
Last summer, Plant City Police say Pepe tried to hire a hitman to killed Robert Meredith, a social studies teacher at Strawberry Crest High School.
Meredith and Pepe had once worked together as teachers.
Pepe has been a teacher with Hillsborough County Schools for 28 years. Both sides are also awaiting a competency evaluation as to whether Pepe is competent to stand trial.
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