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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Washington Legislature. Austin Jenkins is the Olympia correspondent for the Northwest News Network. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) weekly public affairs program "Inside Olympia."

Troy Kelley Pleads Not Guilty Again

Austin Jenkins
/
Northwest News Network
File photo. Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley was arraigned Friday morning in federal court in Tacoma on a revised 17-count indictment.

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.

Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy, as well as the Washington State Legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia."