TriMet Corrects the Record on Criminal Background Checks for Bus Drivers

By ANTHONY MACUK

This week's issue of WW includes a story about Daniel Lee Martin, a 16-year veteran TriMet driver and current executive board member for the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757.

Martin (who's currently running for the local's vice presidency) has a criminal past: Thirty years ago, he pleaded guilty in Tillamook County to second-degree sex abuse, a misdemeanor, after admitting to having sex with a minor; and in 2006 he pleaded guilty to illegally receiving $78,000 in Social Security disability payments for three years while employed at TriMet.

The story raised questions about how much the agency knew about Martin's past.

Martin told WW that TriMet knew about his record. TriMet officials said the agency couldn't comment on Martin's record but was investigating. The agency also said that, at the time Martin was hired, TriMet had not yet begun doing routine background checks on new employees.

Today, TriMet spokeswoman Roberta Altstadt told WW that TriMet needs to correct the record. She said the agency did perform background checks when Martin was hired in 1998.

Here's what she told us in an email today:

Chris Day
WW

Last week, Martin told WW he felt vindicated by the support he's received from other union members after the story ran.

"People understand that a person can fuck up 30 years ago and learn from it and still be a productive member of society," Martin said. "I'm still planning on winning the election. Whether or not I have a job will be the kicker."

WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.