Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley said a federal grand jury inquiry into his past is a distraction, but he does not believe it compromises the work of his office.
Kelley wrote that in a letter to Governor Jay Inslee released Wednesday.
Kelley told the governor that he immediately removed himself from his office’s response to a federal subpoena. The Democratic auditor also said the federal probe is not affecting any open audits.
Kelley’s letter to the governor responded to four questions the governor sent Kelley earlier this week.
“I want it in writing and I want to be able to share it with the public because confidence in this office is extremely important,” Inslee said.
Kelley also provided the governor information about Jason Jerue -- the subject of the federal grand jury subpoena. Jerue is a part-time employee of the auditor’s office based in California who previously worked for Kelley in the escrow services business.
Jerue is now on leave of absence from the Auditor’s office by his own request.
