Former Metro driver pleads guilty to selling cocaine on his route

A former Metro bus driver charged with dealing drugs while on his route pleaded guilty to three counts of delivery of cocaine this afternoon in King County Superior Court.

Ricky Beavers could face between a year and 20 months in prison when he is sentenced May 22. But King County prosecutors have agreed to recommend he serve the low end of the sentence in exchange for his plea. They also agreed to drop three other charges against Beavers.

Beavers, 54, who lives in Seattle, was arrested Feb. 11 by King County sheriff's deputies and Metro Transit police while he was driving Metro's Route 42 near South Leo Street and Beacon Avenue South.

The arrest came after an investigation lasting several weeks in which transit police made several undercover drug buys from Beavers, according to charging papers. Some, but not all, of the buys were made aboard Metro buses, police said.

The sales, which ranged from $60 to $120 for 0.7 to 1.5 grams of cocaine, also took place at Beavers' house in South Seattle and in Tukwila, according to charging papers.

Though it is clear Beavers dealt crack while on his route, "We have no indication that he was selling to passengers at all," said sheriff's spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart said. Rather, customers who knew the man would meet him along his route and make their purchases.

Police said the investigation was triggered by a tip from another Metro employee.

Beavers has since resigned from Metro.

"This is the first time I can recall a situation of this nature, and we employ 2,200 operators," Metro spokeswoman Rochelle Ogershok said shortly after Beavers' arrest.