An initial legal analysis from Washington’s attorney general said that the state can withhold the pay of indicted State Auditor Troy Kelley.
It was released Thursday by Governor Jay Inslee’s office.
Kelley was named last week in a 10-count federal indictment related to his previous business dealings. He’s accused of scheming to hide millions of dollars in stolen fees and filing false tax returns. Kelley has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Because Kelley plans to go on indefinite leave starting May 1, the lawyers believe there’s no obligation for the state to continue to pay him. But the governor’s office calls that legal analysis ‘somewhat uncertain’ and noted this is an unprecedented situation.
Inslee’s office said the best option would be if Kelley voluntarily declines to be paid. So far though the first-term Democrat has not announced his intentions.
