When state Sen. Mark Miloscia, R-Federal Way, served for 14 years as a Democrat in the state House of Representatives, right along beside him was Troy Kelley, who he trusted as a friend and colleague.

The two men of similar age both served on the House Audit Committee. They both have military backgrounds.

Now Kelley, serving as state auditor, is under fire and on April 16, was indicted by a federal grand jury on 10 counts, which included tax evasion and the possession and concealment of more than $2 million in stolen money rightfully owed to Washington state homeowners.

“It was all in all a very big disappointment to see all this come out a few weeks back when they raided his house,” Miloscia said. “I had heard the rumors about him, but there was no hint that he was this far off the reservation playing lose with his finances, his taxes and his clients.”

Miloscia said that “both professionally and personally, all of us are disheartened by what has happened.”

Kelley was elected to the state Auditor’s Office in 2012. His term began Jan. 1, 2013. It was also in 2012 that Miloscia ran as a Democrat for Washington state Auditor against Kelley and lost in the primary election.

Miloscia recently requested Kelley to testify on April 1 before the Senate Accountability and Reform Committee to explain the criminal investigation against him and to help build his trust with Washington state citizens who depend on him to be a whistleblower and chief integrity officer. Miloscia is the committee chair.

Miloscia said Kelley blew him off and never testified. The Federal Way senator said he sides with Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Gov. Jay Inslee in their request for Kelley to resign immediately.

“I’m hoping that he resigns,” Miloscia said. “His agency is very much needed in the state. (As state auditor) you have to do a fair and just job, and obviously, that is all thrown out the window. It’s best for the citizens of Washington state that he resign and the governor appoints some new leadership.”

Many supporters of Miloscia have been asking him since November and December — well before Kelley’s criminal investigation — if he would ever run for Washington state auditor again. Miloscia said that it’s very premature for him to decide that now and that he is very much enjoying his work in the state Senate.

Some of the policy work Miloscia is currently carrying out concerns the safe transport of oil by train or barge; human services funding allocated for homelessness and housing; and a bill addressing lean management and quality audits.