HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Attorney General’s Office has charged a former Waiakea High School basketball coach with theft.
Officials said Justin Alika Pekelo Smith, 48, made hotel arrangements for his team for a trip, which cost about $3,800. Smith allegedly collected money from his players’ families — roughly $3,600 — and kept the money for himself.
He then allegedly paid the company only $500 and intentionally gave a check for the remainder of the balance knowing it would not be honored.
When the check was returned for insufficient funds, officials said Smith never paid the company the balance.
After further investigation, Hawaii County police arrested Smith on Thursday. He has since been charged with second-degree theft and negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument.
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