Judge Will Hear Arguments in Case Against State Auditor

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A federal judge in Tacoma has ordered a hearing to allow attorneys for State Auditor Troy Kelley to argue that six tax-related felony charges against him should be dismissed.

The Seattle Times reports attorneys asked to be heard on those charges because a jury previously acquitted Kelley of one similar charge.

U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton issued the order Monday. He also denied a motion to dismiss or acquit Kelley of eight additional charges alleging theft and money laundering stemming from the operation of his real estate services business before he was elected to his state position.

Kelley was indicted by a federal grand jury last year. His trial ended in an acquittal on one count of lying to an Internal Revenue Service agent. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on 14 others counts.

The government has said it will retry Kelley next year.