Mary Jane Rivas pleaded guilty as charged this morning for the death of Seattle Police Officer Joselito Barber. The officer died after Rivas crashed her speeding SUV into his patrol car on August 13, 2006.

Rivas, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of vehicular homicide and one count of possession of cocaine. Although the standard sentence range is 153 to 195 months in prison, the King County Prosecutor's Office will recommend an exceptional sentence of 250 months (over 20 years) in prison based on the aggravating factor of "rapid recidivism." Rivas had been out of prison for only ten days before re-offending. In addition, Rivas has agreed to the sentence recommendation.

Court documents indicate that Rivas was under the influence of cocaine and was traveling at 80 miles-per-hour when she drove through a red light and slammed into Barber's patrol car at the intersection of 23rd and Yesler Way.

Interim King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg said the community suffered a terrible loss with the death of Officer Barber. "The defendant was taking drugs and re-offended within days of her release from prison. This is a case that calls out for an exceptional sentence of 250 months in prison," Satterberg said.

Seattle Chief of Police Gil Kerlikowske and Barber's family members said they support the plea and 250-month sentence recommendation. Barber, 26, had been with the Seattle Police Department for about six months.

Rivas is in custody on $1 million bail. She will be sentenced on November 16 at 1:45 p.m. before King County Superior Court Judge Harry McCarthy.

Dated: September 21, 2007