Victims’ rights groups are demanding an explanation for the handling of Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz. The Wisconsin Coalitions Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence sent a letter today to the Office of Lawyer Regulation demanding a public explanation as to why they did not further investigate or reprimand Kratz for his “sexting” of a domestic abuse victim.
The state Attorney General’s office referred the Kratz case to OLR who found the texting activity inappropriate but did not consider it professional misconduct.
WCADV Policy Coordinator Tony Gibart told WRN the Office is citing confidentiality laws as a reason for not commenting on the case. Gibart, however, believes Wisconsin Supreme Court rules allow OLR Director Keith Sellen to make statements in cases that involve public attention to potential lawyer misconduct.
The victims advocate’s concerns echo earlier statements by Governor Doyle. “I do think the Office is going have to find a way whatever its legal requirements are on confidentiality, they’re going to have to find a way to come forward and say what happened,” Doyle said Wednesday morning.
Since then Doyle has appointed former Kenosha County District Attorney Bob Jambois as commissioner to oversee Kratz’s removal proceedings. On Monday Jambois and officials will meet to determine when a public hearing will take place. Kratz will have a chance to defend himself at that hearing.
