UNCW women’s basketball player pleads guilty to reduced drug charges, receives probation

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A UNCW women’s basketball player previously arrested on felony drug charges has pleaded guilty to reduced misdemeanor offenses and was placed on probation.

According to court records, 20-year-old Paige Marie Smith pleaded guilty Thursday morning to possession of more than one-half ounce up to 1½ ounces of marijuana and maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance.

Smith was originally arrested earlier this month after authorities said she was found in the parking lot of New Hanover High School with approximately half a pound of marijuana packaged for delivery and distribution. A gun was also located inside the vehicle at the time of her arrest.

Smith had initially faced several felony charges, including possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

As part of a negotiated plea agreement, those felony charges were dismissed.

Judge Lindsey Leigh McKee sentenced Smith to two consecutive 45-day jail terms. The sentences were suspended, and Smith was placed on supervised probation for 24 months.

As part of her probation, Smith must complete 100 hours of community service.

Court records show Smith must forfeit any seized firearms, ammunition and cash and is prohibited from returning to any New Hanover County school property. She may travel if approved by probation, and her probation is set to transfer to South Carolina.

At the time of her arrest, UNCW confirmed Smith was enrolled as a pre-psychology major and was a member of the women’s basketball program. The university said she had been serving a program suspension since Feb. 9, one day before her arrest.

WWAY has reached out to UNCW about Smith’s current status with the university.