The jury in the federal criminal trial of Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley appears to be struggling to find agreement on at least one of the 15 counts. The jurors sent a question to the judge Monday asking what to do if they deadlock on a charge.
It’s not clear which count or counts the jury is struggling with. Kelley is charged with possession of stolen property, money laundering, filing false tax returns and making false statements. The judge told the lawyers the 12 person jury was a “workman-like group” and that “they’re not dysfunctional in any way.”
There was some talk of bringing the jury into the courtroom to find out if they’re actually deadlocked. But in the end the judge opted to send a note back in basically telling then to take more time to deliberate if it will aid in the process of finding unanimity.
The case against Kelley relates to his past real estate services business before he was elected state auditor. The jury has been deliberating since last Thursday.
Copyright 2016 Northwest News Network
