Kenneth Kratz, the "Sexting DA", Refuses to Resign; Governor Ready to Begin Process of Removing Him from Office

Calumet (Wisconsin) County District Attorney Kenneth Kratz, under pressure to resign for sending sexually suggestive text messages to a domestic violence victim whose ex-boyfriend he was prosecuting, now has even more allegations made against him. The allegations were made in a letter to Governor Jim Doyle's office by a woman who said she met Kratz through an online dating service. Though the woman has not been identified, the governor's office did release a copy of the letter to the media with the woman's name blacked out. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, the woman stated she met Kenneth Kratz for dinner at a Green Bay restaurant January 23, 2010. Kratz received several phone calls during dinner about a murder investigation, and revealed confidential details of the case to the woman.

For the next few days, Kratz continued to reveal details of the investigation to her. At one point, Kratz invited the woman to the murder victim's autopsy "provided I would be his girlfriend and would wear high heels and a skirt" according to the State Journal.

Doyle called the accusations "mind boggling" and described the idea of an autopsy serving as "the premise of a social engagement is just beyond anything anyone can imagine" according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. His office was in the process of verifying the allegations.

The "Sexting" DA

Kenneth Kratz's problems started when it was revealed earlier this month that in 2009 the 50 year old district attorney had sent sexually suggestive text messages to 26 year old Stephanie L. Van Groll, who was a victim of domestic abuse, for the purpose of starting a relationship with her. Kratz claimed to state officials he texted her a "a few compliments" that did "not appear sexual at all". However, according to the Journal Sentinel, Kratz texted Van Groll that she was a "tall, young hot nymph" and "I would want you to be so hot and treat me so well that you'd be THE woman! R U that good". In another, he asked Van Groll if she was "the kind of girl that likes secret contact with an older married DA". Kratz was divorced in December of 2009, his third divorce since 1994.

Perhaps the most unfortunate aspect of the Van Groll incident is that District Attorney Kenneth Kratz was doing this while prosecuting the woman's ex-boyfriend on domestic abuse charges. Victim's rights groups are up in arms, claiming abuse of power. Van Groll feared Kratz would throw out the case if she asked him to stop the messaging, and reported the incidents to police. Kratz removed himself from the case when Van Groll's accusations were forwarded to state officials. The case was turned over to another prosecutor, and the ex boyfriend was convicted of a felony in April 2010.

Pressure to Resign

Besides claiming the texts were not sexual in nature, Kratz, a Republican who is up for re election in 2012, has said he will not resign despite pressure to do so from lawmakers, advocates for crime victims, prosecuters, the general public, and the governor. Kratz released a statement saying he will seek therapy and is taking a medical leave of absence, with no set date to return to work.

That may not matter. The governor has the power to remove Kratz from office. However, before he can do that he must receive a formal complaint from a resident of Calumet County. Doyle said he expects to have one soon, and will begin the removal process as soon as he receives the complaint. Kratz could also be removed through a recall election. Kenneth Kratz has rapidly become The State Embarrassment, and one way or another he'll be gone.

Sources

Calumet DA said texts to woman were not sexual Milwaukee Journal Sentinel September 16, 2010.

Doyle ready to begin removal process against DA Milwaukee Journal Sentinel September 20, 2010.

Further allegations against 'sexting' DA claim social invitation to an autopsy Wisconsin State Journal, September 20, 2010