The cases against three former West Chilton Volunteer Fire Department officials who face charges related to alleged thefts of fire department funds were continued until May 14.

Donna Tate, 41, Steve Tate, 45, and Apache Corona, 39, were scheduled to appear in court before Chilton County District Judge John Bush Thursday morning for their plea hearings, where they would have had the option to inform the court whether the cases will go to trial or whether they would enter guilty pleas.

The three were present in court but did not appear before Bush.

Attorneys representing the three individuals gathered around Bush to discuss the cases with Bush, who told the attorneys he would continue the cases until May 14.

A February grand jury indicted Donna Tate, Corona and Steve Tate relating to alleged thefts of fire department funds.

Donna Tate is facing charges of one count theft of property in the first degree and one count of extortion in the first degree, according to court records. Corona faces charges of one count of theft of property in the first degree.

Steve Tate faces charges of one count theft of property in the first degree and one count of extortion in the first degree.

The three were arrested July 30, 2014, and taken into custody by the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Both Donna Tate and Corona were listed as treasurers of the West Chilton Volunteer Fire Department, according to court records.

Steve Tate was a former Chilton County Sheriff’s deputy and fire chief at West Chilton Volunteer Fire Department.

Steve Tate and Donna Tate are husband and wife.

Currently, Steve Tate remains out of jail on a bond of $100,000.

Donna Tate and Corona remain out of jail on bonds of $50,000 each.