KEALAKEKUA — A guilty plea on tax evasion and theft charges has not tarnished the name or character for those who work closely with Konawaena High School head softball coach Shellie A. Grace.
Grace, 40, a former real estate broker, pleaded guilty to first-degree theft, a Class B felony, and five misdemeanor counts of willful failure to file tax returns as part of a plea agreement during a Jan. 26 hearing.
Despite the guilty plea Grace, who has coached softball at Konawaena for several years, has remained on staff throughout the litigation of her criminal case.
Kellye Krug, athletic director at Konawaena, said Grace is still able and in legal standing to be their head coach.
“Until something comes across our desk that says otherwise, we’ll address it at that time,” Krug said.
“Shellie is still in good standing.”
Grace was indicted last October on her now defunct business, Elite Property Management Services, LLC.
The criminal investigation began in 2014 after rental property owners contacted the Hawaii Police Department about Grace’s business practices.
Part of the job duties of any head coach at Konawaena is handling a budget. Despite the charges and guilty plea, Krug said, she never felt there was a situation where she couldn’t trust Grace.
“Shellie is a wonderful person,” Krug said. “She’s got an amazing character. She’s been tough through all of this. The coaching staff and players, we support her as a human being.”
Grace coached a home game Saturday against Keaau. The Wildcats were victorious in a 12-1 win. Parents at the game also showed their support for Grace.
Tia Tagavilla has a daughter who plays outfield for Konawaena. She said she and her husband teach their daughter not to be judgmental.
“Everybody makes mistakes,” Tagavilla said. “She’s an amazing, amazing coach and mom.”
Tagavilla added Grace’s daughter is also on the team and never has Grace shown favoritism. All players are treated equally.
Shawn Suzuki, Konawaena High principal, said he couldn’t discuss whether or not the Kailua-Kona resident had at any point been placed on administrative leave because it was a personnel matter. However, school officials are working with authorities as the case continues to move forward in court.
Lindsay Chambers, spokeswoman for the Hawaii Department of Education, stated in an email Friday that if an employee is convicted of a crime, the district conducts an “analysis to determine whether the employee poses a risk to the health, safety or well-being of children.”
The analysis included a review of the nature and circumstances of the crime, Chambers wrote.
After the Saturday game, Grace declined to comment.
Grace is facing probation and up to a year of jail time. She is set to be sentenced on March 31.
