Washington State AG To Investigate Embattled Auditor

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday he plans to open a separate investigation into State Auditor Troy Kelley, apart from federal charges.

Kelley, who has taken a leave of absence, is facing at least a dozen federal theft and embezzlement as well as other financial charges stemming from business actions before he was elected state representative then auditor.

Ferguson's investigation will focus on Kelley's relationship with Jason JeRue, a former long-time business associate of Kelley, who was a part-time worker in the Auditor's office. JeRue took a leave of absence after the federal charges were filed against Kelley, and has since been dismissed from the Auditor's office.

JeRue worked with Kelley at the business where the alleged wrongdoings took place.  Kelley is accused of keeping more than $1 million dollars he was supposed to reimburse to clients from his firm, among other charges.