Governor steps up pressure on indicted State Auditor Troy Kelley

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday stepped up the pressure on indicted State Auditor Troy Kelley.  In his strongest language yet, Inslee called on Kelley to resign his office to restore public trust.

Inslee also announced the state will stop paying Kelley’s $117,000 annual salary.  In a letter to Kelley, Inslee said he would withhold money “as long as you are not performing the duties you were elected to perform.”

Two weeks ago, Kelley was the target of a 10-count federal indictment for fraud and tax evasion.  Kelley has maintained his innocence, but the severity of the charges has created a huge cloud and led to widespread calls for his resignation.

So far the state auditor has refused to comply with the increasingly pleas for him to leave, and instead will take an indefinite leave starting Monday, May 4.

“During my leave of absence,” Kelley’s said in a statement issued late Tuesday afternoon, “I will not represent the Washington State Auditor’s Office in any capacity until I can put my legal matters to rest, at which time I intend to resume my duties.”

Before Tuesday, Kelley had said that he would still draw his $117,000 salary while on leave.  But after the governor’s letter was made public, Kelley released a statement saying he will not accept pay while he is away.

Kelley also said he will delegate all duties to his deputy until he returns.

“I have spent the last few days working with my team on a plan to ensure a smooth transition of duties, which I’ve communicated to Governor Inslee,” Kelley said.

The governor minced no words in his directive to Kelley that he should step down immediately.

“You have lost the trust of the public and the agencies that your office oversees,” Inslee said.  “I urge you to put the interests of the people of the state of Washington above your own.”