Waiakea's Ex-Basketball Coach to Alter Plea Agreement in Court

It looks like a plea deal might be on the horizon for Alika Smith, a well-known name within Hawaii's basketball community.

Alika Smith, known legally as Justin Alika Pekelo Smith, has a court date set for July 9, 9 a.m., before Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota, according to recent court records. Initially, Smith pleaded not guilty on September 11, 2024, to charges of second-degree theft and negotiating a worthless instrument[1][2].

The charges against Smith stem from allegations that he misused funds intended to cover hotel expenses for a basketball team trip. Originating from Waiakea High School and once a standout player for the University of Hawaii at Manoa's basketball team, Smith reportedly embezzled funds that parents had helped to raise for the trip[1][3].

The case is being handled by the state's Deputy Attorney General, Thomas Michener[1]. According to the complaint, Smith, a 49-year-old resident of Pahoa, managed to secure hotel accommodations amounting to $3,788.75 through Sports Travel LLC[1]. He reportedly amassed $3,627 from the parents of the team members and kept the money for his personal use[1].

In addition to the deposit of $500, Smith wrote a check for the remaining balance owed to Sports Travel. Unfortunately, he knew that the check would not clear, and as predicted, the check was returned due to insufficient funds[1]. Smith never compensated Sports Travel for the remaining balance owed[1].

Second-degree theft is classified as a Class C felony, with penalties including up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000[3]. Negotiating a worthless instrument carries penalties of up to a year in jail and fines of up to $2,000[3]. Despite his criminal history, Smith has not faced any charges prior to this case[1]. He currently remains free on a $25,000 bond, represented by Hilo defense attorney Kai McGuire[1].

Sources:[1] John Burnett, Hawaii Tribune-Herald, [Title][2] West Hawaii Today, [Title][3] Hawaii News Now, [Title]

It's possible that Alika Smith, a prominent figure in Hawaii's sports community, will reach a plea deal, given his upcoming court date on July 9 for charges related to sports-related crime and justice.
Alika Smith, formerly known as Justin Alika Pekelo Smith, is scheduled to appear before Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota on charges of second-degree theft and negotiating a worthless instrument, as stated in general news reports.
If found guilty, Smith could face penalties for a Class C felony, including up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, due to the theft allegations.
The negotiations for Smith's case are being conducted by the state's Deputy Attorney General, Thomas Michener, as reported in crime and justice news.
The charges against Smith are related to a basketball team trip, where he stands accused of embezzling funds that parents had helped to raise, using the money for his own personal use.