Senator asks state auditor to testify about federal investigation linked to him

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Accountability and Reform Committee is asking embattled State Auditor Troy Kelley to testify before his committee about a federal investigation related to Kelley.

Republican Sen. Mark Miloscia of Federal Way issued the written request Thursday for Kelley, a Democrat, to testify at a meeting of Miloscia's committee next Wednesday.

Federal agents searched Kelley's home in Tacoma last week, and tax fraud investigators have sought records related to one of his old businesses.

A federal grand jury subpoena demanded the auditor's office turn over information about Jason Jerue, a part-time employee who previously worked in private business with Kelley.

Kelley has not appeared in public to answer questions about the investigation.

Miloscia wrote that the reports of the investigation raise questions about his ability to carry out his job and his refusal to publicly address the issue "has done little to ease these concerns."