Five teenage basketball players from a D.C.-area AAU team are facing felony charges after stealing $37.60 worth of snacks from a Florida 7-Eleven early Thursday morning. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the theft happened at 4:10 a.m. while the team was in town for a tournament. The teens, ages 16 and 17, allegedly took candy, chips, and other snacks without paying. Two of them ran off when law enforcement arrived, but their coach tried to cover for them.
That coach, Malik Abdul Harvey, initially lied to deputies about the identity of the two teens who fled. Harvey lives and works in Maryland — specifically at a youth detention center, where his job is to assist and empower young people. Instead of setting a good example, he’s now facing a felony child neglect charge. The teens are also charged with felonies including conspiracy to commit retail theft and tampering with evidence. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd didn’t hold back in his criticism, saying the coach failed to lead by example.
The situation has sparked conversation about accountability, parenting, and the role of coaches in young people’s lives. What started as a cheap snack run has escalated into a legal mess that could follow these kids for years. Do you think the punishment fits the crime, or is this an overreaction? Let us know what you think in the comments.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
