SALINAS, Calif. -- Former Monterey County Registrar of Voters Tony Anchundo was back in court on Friday, where he learned that every judge in Monterey County has excused himself or herself from his case.

Earlier this week, the judge who was handling the case retired. Then, on Thursday, the prosecution and defense were told that no other local judge was willing to take on the case.

So, the search is now on to bring in an outside judge who will hear the case.

Anchundo is accused of stealing more than $80,000 from the Monterey County Registrar of Voters office. He was the face of the department for many years before being arrested earlier this year.

A reason as to why the judges were recusing themselves from the case was not given, but prosecutor Andy Liu said it could have a lot to do with the fact that Anchundo is a well-known figure.

"Mr. Anchundo knows a lot of people, and he's been here a long time, and he's a public figure. So, it doesn't surprise me at all that judges have conflicts here," Liu said.

"It was a mass judicial recusal, but we have received no additional information yet. We're certainly hoping to," defense attorney Juliette Peck said.

Anchundo is scheduled to be back in court in December.

He could learn as soon as next week who the courts plan to bring in to hear his case.

Anchundo faces more than 12 years in prison if he is convicted. His attorneys said they plan to argue for probation.