Latest news with #KingCountyProsecutingAttorney'sOffice
International Business Times
2 days ago
- International Business Times
Washington Deputy Accused of Raping a Teen Volunteer Who Joined Police Explorers Program
A King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) deputy has been placed on administrative leave in the wake of accusations of rape and sexual misconduct, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. On May 30, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (KCPAO) charged former KCSO deputy Ricardo Cueva with sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree and rape in the third degree. Victim was Enrolled as a Volunteer with the Police Explorers Program, Where Cueva was the Program Lead According to court documents, Cueva is accused of repeatedly using his position of authority as a KCSO deputy to "sexually abuse and rape a then teenage volunteer with the Police Explorers program." The alleged rape and sexual misconduct occurred between September of 2017 and September of 2018, according to court documents. "While acting as the Police Explorers group leader, the defendant began the process of gaining [the teenage girl's] trust to ultimately sexually exploit her before she turned 17 with special, individual treatment," Cueva's court documents read. "Once [the teenage girl] turned 17 years old, the age the defendant believed to be the age of consent, the defendant escalated his behavior." Cueva Took the Victim on Ride-Alongs, Would Then Ask Her to Perform Oral Sex Acts Court documents also claim that while Cueva was on duty and in uniform, he would take the teenage girl on ride-alongs in his marked patrol vehicle, where he would ask her to perform oral sex acts. At the time of these incidents, he was the King County Sheriff's Explorer Program Lead at the Burien Police Department, according to court documents. At the time of the alleged incidents, the teenage victim reported directly to Cueva, according to court documents. Cueva Previously Under Investigation for Kissing, Molesting a 10-Year-Old According to court documents, "Deputy Cueva was investigated in a 2014 case in which a close-family friend's 10-year-old daughter accused him of kissing her on the lips and touching her genitals under her clothes. The King County Sheriff's Office investigated this accusation and determined there was no evidence to support the accusation," the documents read. Documents also claim the state has concerns for the victim's safety because Cueva owns over 25 registered firearms and has experience using the weapons as a KCSO deputy. Cueva is currently being held in custody on $150,000 bail, according to the KCPAO. "The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office also asked the Court that, if he were to post bond on that bail amount, the defendant be ordered onto electronic home detention with GPS monitoring, and the victim be notified," wrote the KCPAO. "The Court ordered that and also made an order for the defendant to surrender all firearms after prosecutors' request."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why hasn't anyone been charged in Seattle clash arrests? What we know
The Brief A violent clash at Cal Anderson Park led to 22 arrests, with allegations of counter-protesters pushing officers off bikes, stealing batons, and throwing rocks. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office clarifies that no charges have been filed yet, as the Seattle Police investigation is ongoing and requires thorough review of video evidence. Prosecutors emphasize the independence of their investigation despite the involvement of police officers as alleged victims, ensuring transparency in their decision-making process. SEATTLE - A violent clash between counter-protesters and police at Cal Anderson Park over the weekend resulted in 22 arrests, including allegations that demonstrators pushed officers off bikes, stole batons, and threw rocks. Now, the central question is whether those suspects will face criminal charges. FOX 13 Seattle's Lauren Donovan spoke with Casey McNerthney of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to clarify the legal process now playing out. While supporters of the arrestees claim the state has declined to charge them, McNerthney says the full picture is more complicated. L: "What exactly happened at court today?" C: "So what folks learned in court this afternoon is the investigation with Seattle Police is still ongoing. It's not correct to say that King County prosecutors have declined cases — because prosecutors have not. We don't have cases to make charging decisions on one way or another. It's still in the investigation phase with Seattle Police. Once those are sent to us, a decision can be made." L: "What's the hold up? How much time do Seattle Police get to look over the evidence?" C: "It's a little different with other cases that make the news, like shootings. With those cases, it's a little more clear cut — where at least you think you know who fired the shot. In a situation like this, what prosecutors want to do is get as much video evidence as possible. "When you see the photos from City Hall and also Cal Anderson, you see almost everyone had their phones up, so we know there's a lot of video out there. There's also body-worn cameras, and we want to see that too. "What police have is as much time as they need under the statute of limitations. Cases don't get better with age, but if they need a week or two to get that information, they can have it." L: "Is there a conflict of interest when the alleged victims in this case are officers?" C: "The investigations will be independent. We're different agencies. We work often with Seattle Police, but we'll be transparent with what our decisions are and why and I think there's enough separation there. I'm not sure everyone will believe that but if they look at our process I think that will come through." The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Lauren Donovan. Ex-Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz files lawsuit, claims wrongful termination Crews battle Second Creek Fire near Leavenworth, WA 2 injured in separate Seattle shootings Teen, child killed in Lacey, WA mobile home fire Crews investigate explosion at Woodinville, WA hardware store College Inn Pub announces closure after 50 years in Seattle Dave's Hot Chicken to open 4 new locations in Seattle area. Here's where To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
More than 30 people arrested in controversial Seattle protests
The Brief Over 30 arrests occurred at conservative Christian rallies in Seattle, met with pro-LGBTQ counterprotests. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell labeled the group "extreme right-wing," prompting demands for his apology or resignation. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has yet to receive charging decisions for the arrested individuals. SEATTLE - In about five days, more than 30 people have been arrested at conservative Christian rallies in Seattle. The group behind the conservative Christian "Mayday USA" rallies states on their website they are anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ, and stand against religious persecution. The backstory On Saturday, the conservative Christian group held a rally at Seattle's Cal Anderson Park. The park is located in Seattle's Capitol Hill district, a historically gay neighborhood. Pro-LGBTQ counterprotesters swarmed the conservative Christian rally, and Seattle Police report they arrested 23 people. Following the violence over the weekend, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell released a statement calling the conservative Christian group "extreme right-wing." The conservative Christian group held another rally on Tuesday on the steps of city hall, demanding the mayor apologize or resign. Once again, counterprotesters attended. Seattle Police report they arrested eight people on Tuesday. What's next However, what happens next is uncertain. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office tells FOX 13 Seattle police have not sent them charging decisions for any of the cases from both Saturday's and Tuesday's protests. Officials with the city attorney's office tell FOX 13 Seattle they have received three referrals from Seattle Police for protesters. The city attorney's office said those cases are still under review. The Source Information in this story came from a statement from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Ex-Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz files lawsuit, claims wrongful termination Crews battle Second Creek Fire near Leavenworth, WA 2 injured in separate Seattle shootings Teen, child killed in Lacey, WA mobile home fire Crews investigate explosion at Woodinville, WA hardware store College Inn Pub announces closure after 50 years in Seattle Dave's Hot Chicken to open 4 new locations in Seattle area. Here's where To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
First court appearances for counterprotesters arrested at Capitol Hill event
The Brief Nearly two dozen people were arrested on Saturday as counterprotesters clashed with police on Capitol Hill. Eight people arrested over the weekend appeared in court on Monday. A judge found probable cause for third-degree assault for nearly all of those in court today. SEATTLE - Some of those arrested during a counterprotest at Saturday's Mayday USA event appeared in court for the first time on Monday. Roughly one-third of the number of people arrested were sent to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for first appearances. The rest of the people arrested on Saturday are expected to appear for possibly lesser offenses, such as gross misdemeanors, at the City Attorney's Office. By the numbers Eight of the 23 overall people arrested appeared in court on May 26. These first appearances hearings are not the same as a criminal case referral by police for an official charging decision. Today, hearings were held to allow a judge the opportunity to determine if there is a probable cause for the arrests, determine bail amount, and determine conditions of release. Seven of the eight people in court today were released on their own personal recognizance. One person was issued a bail amount set at $20,000 for first-degree robbery and second-degree assault with a deadly weapon. The judge found probable cause for third-degree assault for the remaining seven people in court Monday. The Source Information in this story came from Seattle Police Department and the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Sweltering weather in store for Seattle this week Motorcyclist killed, driver arrested after Puyallup crash Mom of slain Idaho victim Xana Kernodle asks for help attending Bryan Kohberger trial Seattle Memorial Day weekend 2025: Your guide to events, traffic, more Tears, heartbreak at Chase Jones sentencing—teen in fatal Renton, WA crash Seattle police make arrests at counterprotest to 'Mayday USA' event in Capitol Hill Tree-sitter enters third week in WA's Olympic Foothills to halt logging Free housing for a felon? Kirkland, WA neighbors concerned over homeless hotel plans To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Seattle's Mayor Harrell asks for review of permit given for 'far-right rally'
The Brief An event put on by Mayday USA in Cal Anderson Park quickly sparked heated reactions from area residents. Seattle police officers showed up and made several arrests during clashes with counterprotesters. In response, Seattle Mayor Harrell offered words of support, and caution, to Seattleites while making requests for city reviews into the permitting and policing of Saturday's event. SEATTLE - Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issued a statement following a heated protest at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday. At least 22 people have been arrested after a clash between police, demonstrators, and counterprotesters on May 24, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. In a new statement, the mayor remarked on the proud history of Seattleites standing up for their values. He then urged residents to avoid violence during protests and demonstrations. What they're saying "When the humanity of trans people and those who have been historically marginalized is questioned, we triumph by demonstrating our values through our words and peaceful protest – we lose our voice when this is disrupted by violence, chaos, and confusion," read Mayor Harrell's weekend statement, in part. The rally was held at the historic Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill. Speaking yesterday on the emerging events, Mayor Harrell said, "today's far-right rally was held here for this very reason – to provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city's values, in the heart of Seattle's most prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood." What's next Mayor Harrell is now directing the Parks Department to review the circumstances of the rally organizer's application. He says he aims to "understand whether there were legal location alternatives or other adjustments that could have been pursued." Up next, the mayor's office said in the statement that the Seattle Police Department will complete an after-action report of this event, "including understanding preparation, crowd management tactics, and review of arrests and citations." Mayor Harrell ended his full statement with the following: "I am grateful for those who make their voices heard in support of our neighbors without resorting to violence. In the face of an extreme right-wing national effort to attack our trans and LGBTQ+ communities, Seattle will continue to stand unwavering in our embrace of diversity, love for our neighbors, and commitment to justice and fairness." The Source Information in this story came from the Office of the Mayor of Seattle. Luxury Seattle hotel sues 'nuisance' building next door Firefighters in western WA train for possibility of 'above average' wildfire season Shawn Kemp lawyers claim bias in Tacoma Mall shooting case as trial nears Federal judge blocks Trump's dismantling of the Department of Education 'Where is Teekah?': Mother speaks out after Tacoma, WA cold case Activist marks 2 weeks in tree to protest logging near Port Angeles Driver arrested after deadly crash in Kent, WA To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
