Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz is rejecting calls to resign, after it was discovered he sent sexually charged text messages to a domestic violence victim. Governor Jim Doyle says it’s deeply troubling that someone who turns to the criminal justice for help would be victimized in this way.
The accusations against Kratz are based on 30 text messages he sent to a woman last year, while he was prosecuting her ex-boyfriend in an abuse case. Kratz referred to the woman as a “hot nymph” and asked if she would be interested in a relationship with an older married man.
Before he can begin the process of removing Kratz, Doyle says a verified complaint needs to be filed with his office. He expects that will happen in the next few days. After that, Doyle can appoint a commissioner to review the case and use the findings to determine whether Kratz can be removed from his elected position. Doyle says he hopes to have a decision reached within 30 days of the process starting.
The Governor’s office on Monday also released a letter from a second woman, claiming Kratz invited her to the autopsy of a murder victim if she would “act as his girlfriend.” Doyle called those accusations unimaginable and mind boggling.
Kratz is currently on medical leave and has said he will fight any attempt to remove him from office.