Third Woman Comes Forward with Allegations Against Kenneth Kratz, the "Sexting DA"

The strange case of Calumet County (Wisconsin) District Attorney Kenneth Kratz continues to unfold as a third woman stepped forward with allegations that the "Sexting DA" sent her sexually explicit text messages. Maria Ruskiewicz, 31, of Appleton, Wisconsin who is a law student at Oklahoma City University, made her allegations public on September 21st.

Ruskiewicz approached Kenneth Kratz in 2008 about obtaining a pardon for a previous drug conviction. Kratz agreed to help her, and after the meeting she texted Kratz to thank him for his help. After that, the harassment began.

According to Ruskiewicz, Kenneth Kratz then began texting her sexually explicit messages, such as how she would "please him between the sheets". Ruskiewicz said she was at a loss as to how to respond, as Kratz's cooperation was needed for the pardon. Eventually she told him she was not interested and Kratz stopped sending the messages for a couple of months. However, he resumed texting and sent a message demanding to meet with her in person. Ruskiewicz contacted the university's lawyer about a course of action. She was advised to ignore Kratz' messages and see if he stopped. Eventually, he did.

Ruskiewicz says she went public because of her concern about Kratz abusing his power. Kratz has admitted sending sexually explicit text messages to 26 year old Stephanie Van Groll, a domestic abuse victim whose ex boyfriend he was prosecuting. Kratz eventually removed himself from the case after Van Groll filed a complaint, and the case was completed with another prosecutor. A second woman named Dawn King has also come forward alleging that after meeting Kratz through an online dating service and having dinner with him, he invited her to an autopsy "provided I would be his girlfriend and would wear high heels and a skirt".

Kenneth Kratz has been under intense pressure to resign his office. He has refused to do so, but is currently on medical leave and receiving psychotherapy. He has not set a date for returning to work. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has stated that he will begin the process of removing Kratz from office as soon as he receives an official complaint from a resident of Calumet County as required by law. Kratz's attorney, Robert J. Craanen, said he would fight any attempt by Doyle to remove the DA from office.

Sources embedded, also:

Third Woman Accuses Wisconsin DA of 'Sexting' Harassment ABC News

Third Woman says DA Kratz harassed her madison.com