Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley has pleaded not guilty -- again. The indicted Democrat was arraigned Friday morning in federal court in Tacoma on a revised 17-count indictment.
Kelley appeared in court in a blue pinstripe suit and tasseled loafers. He sat back in his chair and listened intently as federal prosecutors outlined the 17 charges against him, including five new counts of money laundering. Kelley’s new attorney Angelo Calfo then entered not guilty pleas on behalf of his client.
This superseding indictment replaces the original 10 count indictment handed down in April. The crux of the case against Kelley is that he failed to refund nearly $3 million in escrow client funds and then schemed to hide the money and avoid paying taxes on it.
After court, attorney Calfo said his client has committed no crimes and is being targeted because he’s a statewide elected official.
Kelley’s trial date has been moved to March of next year.
