According to multiple reports State Auditor Troy Kelley has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of filing false tax returns, attempted obstruction of a civil lawsuit and possession of stolen property. The indictment alleges misdeeds in management of mortgage title services companies he previously ran and that Kelley kept more than $1 million that should have been refunded to customers and unlawfully avoided paying taxes. The charges could result in sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

Kelley said he would take a temporary leave of absence beginning May 1. Gov. Jay Inslee called on him to resign. The state auditor's elective office is tasked with rooting out government fraud and waste.