Former Southeast Missouri State women's coach arrested in Kansas

Former Southeast Missouri State women's basketball coach B.J. Smith revived his career after leaving Cape Girardeau following NCAA sanctions that the Redhawks were hit with under his watch.

It remains to be seen whether Smith's coaching career will be derailed by off-the-court problems he has encountered.

Smith was arrested Tuesday as part of a multi-state car theft conspiracy.

Federal prosecutors in St. Louis say the 48-year-old Smith was part of a ring that stole at least 100 vehicles across four states, then used them to stage accidents and file false theft reports in order to obtain insurance proceeds.

The group, consisting of 16 people who were all arrested, is also accused of making false statements on loan applications and submitting fraudulent earnings statements to obtain loans to purchase high-end vehicles before selling them.

Charges include conspiracy, bank fraud, mail fraud, and receipt of stolen motor vehicle. If convicted, the charges carry penalties ranging from five to 30 years in prison and/or fines up to $1 million.

Smith was Southeast's coach for four seasons from 2002 through 2006 before resigning under pressure amid allegations of NCAA violations that resulted in the university being placed on probation.

Smith has compiled a 58-10 record the past two seasons as the women's basketball coach at Highland (Kan.) Community College. He led Highland to its first national junior college tournament berth this year as the Scotties finished fifth.

According to Stjoechannel.com, Highland president David Reist says they are letting the legal process play out and that Smith is still employed by the university.