A Charles County man who coaches the Washington, D.C.-area Run It Up travel basketball team was arrested, along with five teenage players, after Florida officials accused them of planning to steal products from a 7-Eleven while at a tournament.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office stated that five members of the Run It Up program entered the 7-Eleven at 3141 Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport around 4:10 a.m. on July 23, 2026.
Investigators believe the teenagers concealed Doritos, candy, Starburst Minis, a Big Mama sausage, lemonade, and grape and orange Slurpees. The stolen items were valued at $37.60.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the group fled after a confrontation with a store clerk.
Deputies found three of the teenagers near the entrance to Solterra Resort, where the team was sleeping in a vacation property less than a mile away from the store. According to investigators, the stolen items were placed in a backpack and stashed in bushes.
Detectives then asked the team’s coach, Malik Abdul Harvey, 27, of Bryans Road, to identify the remaining two minors using store surveillance film.
Investigators said Harvey originally denied knowing them. The other two players were found later that morning and recognized Harvey as their coach.
According to investigators, Harvey later admitted to lying in an effort to protect the athletes.
“He resisted us when he did not cooperate in the investigation,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a video conference. “He directly lied. “When he misled us.”
Another coach assisted detectives in identifying the remaining teenagers, including her own son, Judd said.
“James’ mama did exactly what was right,” Judd added. “She cooperated. She was as horrified and upset as was reasonable, but not Coach Harvey.”
The five players, ages 16 to 17, were all charged with conspiracy to conduct retail theft, tampering with evidence, petit theft, and breaking the county’s juvenile curfew statute. Their names are being kept hidden because they are minors.
Harvey was charged with child negligence, contributing to a minor’s delinquency, accessory after the fact, and nonviolent resistance.
The Washington, D.C.-area team was in Central Florida to compete in the Puma NXTPro basketball tournament.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Harvey works for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services at the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center, where he assists and empowers youth. Authorities stated that the basketball excursion was unrelated to his state position.
“So he works in the criminal justice system and he lied to us,” Judd added.
Judd also issued a warning to tourists who might conduct crimes in Polk County.
“We welcome anyone who wants to visit or stay in Polk County on vacation,” Judd remarked. “But people need to realize that while you might be able to get away with crimes and foolishness where you live, it won’t fly around here.”
“If you steal in Polk County, we’re going to send you home with a commemorative mug shot from the Polk County Jail,” Judd continued.
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