SEATTLE — Indicted Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley has fired two staffers and ordered another to stop working, just a week after his federal fraud trial ended with a hung jury.
Kelley this week demanded the resignations of his chief of staff, Doug Cochran, and deputy communications director Adam Wilson. Both told The Associated Press that Kelley gave no explanation for the firings.
Kelley also ordered that Thomas Shapley, a part-time special assistant to deputy state auditor Jan Jutte (JOO'-tee), stop working pending his retirement late this month.
After deliberating for several days, a federal jury in Tacoma said April 26 it had failed to reach a verdict on 14 of 15 charges against Kelley, which included possession of stolen property and money laundering. Prosecutors accused Kelley of pocketing $3 million in fees he should have refunded to homeowners when he ran a real-estate services business a decade ago.
Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement Friday regarding Kelley's actions.
"I am deeply concerned to learn that since returning to work, Auditor Troy Kelley has asked for the resignation of multiple senior-level employees."
"During his extended absence due to his trial, the hardworking Auditor's Office staff worked diligently to maintain high standards, fulfill the mission of the Auditor's Office and serve the people of the state of Washington.
"I have sent the auditor a letter asking for an explanation of his troubling actions."
Read Inslee's letter here.