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Highland College Coach Sentenced to Probation

By Greg Bebermeyer

07/03/2014

B.J. Smith

(KNZA)--The head women’s basketball coach at Highland Community College has been sentenced to three years of probation for participating in an auto theft ring.

William “ B.J.” Smith was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on one count of conspiracy and five counts of mail fraud. He was ordered to pay about $160,000 in restitution.

Prosecutors say Smith was among 21 people involved in a scheme to steal luxury motor vehicles from individuals and dealerships in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. They then staged accidents and filed false theft reports to obtain insurance money.

Smith pleaded guilty to obtaining fraudulent transfer titles from the Osage Nation for five vehicles in 2011 and 2012. The transfer titles allowed the vehicles to be resold.

Following his guilty plea in April, Highland Community College officials announced that Smith would retain his position. Smith led the HCC women’s basketball team to a second-place national finish this past season.

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Comments

KS_Referee (07/03/2014 2:26 PM)

This man should be in federal prison, and certainly NEVER be trusted to lead anyone who he has the opportunity to teach his values. It appears the board at HCC has the same moral compass as Smith. Are their souls so cheap that they can be purchased for a few more wins on a basketball court? What next, professors that sell meth because they can teach math?

SeedSeller (07/03/2014 7:48 PM)

As shocking as this admission of guilt is, what is more shocking is HCCs continued disservice to the taxpayers of Doniphan county. How can they, with a clear conscience, explain to a young adult that this is an example of leadership, honesty, and civility? I just dont understand what HCC values, integrity? Wins on the court? Lead by example? I just dont get it. Clearly, the students have lost.