King County Sheriffs Deputy who served in Burien has been charged with sex crimes involving teen Explorer

King County Sheriff’s Deputy Ricardo Arturo Cueva has been charged with first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and third-degree rape after allegedly abusing a 17-year-old girl in the Police Explorer Program. The incidents reportedly occurred between September 2017 and September 2018, while Cueva was on duty and in uniform. Charging documents reveal that Cueva began grooming the victim during police ride-alongs, leading to a sexual relationship characterized by manipulation and pressure. The victim described multiple encounters, including sexual acts in a patrol car and at Cueva's home, with one incident causing significant physical pain. The allegations surfaced when the victim confided in another Explorer, now a deputy, about her experience.

Cueva has a prior investigation for inappropriate conduct involving a minor in 2014, which was not prosecuted due to a lack of evidence. Prosecutors have requested $150,000 bail and electronic monitoring, citing Cueva's access to firearms. Despite the charges, Cueva remains listed as a contact for the Explorer Program, raising questions about oversight and accountability.