Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, has joined with leaders in Washington state and called for Auditor Troy Kelley to resign. The auditor was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury on 10 counts allegedly stemming from his business practices prior to and during his time as auditor. The indictment comes in the wake of a federal subpoena and search warrant served last month.

“I am disappointed that Auditor Kelley did not heed the call of his own party leadership, including Gov. Inslee, to resign from his position,” said MacEwen. “While I respect the presumption of innocence and his right to due process, I believe elected officials should be held to a higher standard. Auditor Kelley should resign in order to restore public trust and accountability to the very office charged with maintaining those cornerstones of government.”

“Given the seriousness of these allegations, and the public trust at stake, I am reviewing the options available to the Legislature should the auditor choose to stay in office,” said MacEwen. “Again, this comes down to accountability and being able to fully and faithfully discharge the duties of his office. I believe it is clear he can no longer carry out the duties of auditor, and we must work to restore public trust.”

If Kelley resigns or is removed from office before May 10, a special election to fill his seat would occur in November.