Coach charged with burglary allegedly encouraged his players to help

Published 10:12 pm Monday, June 29, 2009

EVERETT — An Arlington Little League coach accused of encouraging teenage boys to commit burglary made his first court appearance Monday.

George Spady Jr., 31, pleaded not guilty to second-degree burglary in Snohomish County Superior Court. A judge allowed Spady to remain out of custody pending his trial, which is scheduled for Sept. 11.

Investigators allege that Spady was with his son, a nephew and another player from his baseball team when he broke into a vacant workshop and took overhead lights and bolts. The boys were encouraged to participate in the break-in, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Edirin Okoloko wrote in court papers.

One of the players reported the incident to his stepfather, who called Snohomish County sheriff’s deputies. The man was angry that his stepson’s coach would involve the boy in a crime, according to court documents.

Spady told police he’d driven onto the property to go “four-wheeling” with the boys, Okoloko wrote. He told the sheriff’s deputy he didn’t see the numerous “No Trespassing” signs posted on the shop, near the driveway and in other locations on the property.

Investigators said Spady told them the front door to the shop was unlocked and admitted taking the lights and bolts, Okoloko wrote.