Semaj Pleads Guilty; Receives No Detention

The boy known for talking his way onto an airplane without a ticket pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of lying to police, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Police said Semaj Booker lied to police after he was caught breaking into a Tacoma apartment on July 5.

Tuesday’s plea makes the fourth time Booker has admitted committing a felony.

Judge Frank Cuthbertson sentenced the 11-year-old to 26 days detention, crediting him for the 26 days already served, and 4 hours of community service.

The Tacoma court also heard information about Semaj's arrest by Tacoma police last week when he was caught walking the street after midnight, a violation of his curfew, and a new allegation that the boy stole $11 from a social worker's purse after a court hearing in early October.

“I think at this point we're of the opinion that he's had a great deal of chances to comply with the court orders and he's proven unwilling or unable to do that,” said Fred Wist, Pierce County Chief Juvenile Prosecutor.

Semaj remains in foster care and may still face more court hearings and detention.

In addition to Tuesday’s plea, more than a year ago Booker pleaded guilty to stealing a car, leading police on a high speed chase and driving without a license. That all happened right before he talked his way onto those planes headed for Texas.

In exchange for a guilty plea in that case, Booker received a deferred sentence with no detention and no criminal record if he stayed out of trouble.

Booker will have to go back before the judge in that case and explain why he hasn't kept up his end of the plea bargain.