At about 4 a.m. on a Thursday, deputies in Polk County, Florida, responded to a report of a possible theft at a 7-Eleven in the town of Davenport.
Investigators said five teenage boys, all 16 or 17 years old, were found near the resort’s entrance with a backpack containing snack items valued at less than $40.
The youths were identified as participants in a regional basketball tournament, and one of the adults present, Malik Abdul Harvey, a youth coach from Maryland, was questioned about his involvement.
Sheriff’s Rebuke
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd publicly rebuked the coach, saying his actions had impeded the investigation and demonstrated a lack of integrity.
The five minors each faced counts of conspiracy to commit retail theft, tampering with evidence, petit theft and a curfew violation, while Harvey was charged with child neglect, resisting without violence, accessory after the fact and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Harvey, who is employed by the Department of Juvenile Services in Maryland, remains in custody as the legal process moves forward.
The case has drawn attention to the responsibilities of adult mentors in youth sports and the potential legal ramifications of attempting to shield minors from accountability.