WI - Prosecutor 'sexted' abuse victim, Chilton, 2010

[Gozgals]

Update, (nothing new today)


Checked locat news on him being disbarred but no mention of it

Same information that he will resign. I think that he will resign right before Oct. 8 from what I have read, as we all know. Not soon enough.

Such a shame, he needs to be disbarred.

Goz

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/us/28brfs-004.html?_r=1

 

[RLynne]

http://host.madison.com/news/state-...cle_c434783e-40a6-5491-83cd-18e1c6339ce5.html

From above link:

The Wisconsin Crime Victims' Rights Board acknowledged that Ken Kratz gave members information last December about text messages he sent Stephanie Van Groll while prosecuting her ex-boyfriend for attacking her.

But the board said Kratz did not give a detailed description of the texts, characterized the messages as being of a mutually friendly nature, and said he was interested in pursuing a friendship with Van Groll. The board, which has come under fire for not taking action against Kratz, said it could not investigate further under state law based on the information.

On a side note, OLR (the agency in charge of lawyer regulation in Wisconsin) has indicated that they are reopening their investigation. OLR does not, as a general rule, move quickly. I wouldn't expect to hear from them for at least a couple of months.

 

[Belinda]

Well, maybe if they had bothered to even check out his statement, they would have easily found he was lying through his teeth and therefore an investigation could be pursued. To say they couldn't investigate because he lied is assinine at best.

 

[LinasK]

By Jim Collar, (Appleton, Wis.) Post-Crescent
Calumet County Dist. Atty. Ken Kratz resigned today after almost three weeks of controversy over sexually suggestive text messages he sent last year to a woman who was the victim in a domestic violence case he was prosecuting.
"It is with deep sadness and regret that I announce my resignation as Calumet County district attorney, effective immediately," Kratz wrote in a statement. "I have lost the confidence of the people I represent due primarily to personal issues which have now affected my professional career."
<snip>
Kratz's resignation may not be the final chapter in the controversy.
The Office of Lawyer Regulation, under tremendous pressure after telling Van Groll in March that the messages weren't sufficient to warrant an investigation into whether Kratz committed "professional misconduct," has since reopened its file, citing "substantial new information" that shows the texts were part of a larger pattern of conduct.
Kratz almost certainly was going to lose his job whether he resigned or not. Had he not, a hearing would have been held in Chilton on Friday to determine whether misconduct warranted removal from office, and Doyle would have made the call considering the findings at the hearing.
Kratz had served as district attorney in Calumet County for 18 years. He was appointed in 1992 by Gov. Tommy Thompson.
Doyle issued a statement today regarding the resignation.
"Every victim of a crime, particularly sensitive crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, has the right to be treated with respect and dignity," Doyle wrote.
"Ken Kratz egregiously violated that basic right and therefore cannot hold the office of district attorney. As a former district attorney and attorney general, I was appalled when I first learned of his behavior. I am deeply grateful to the brave women who stepped forward."
more at link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-10-04-sexting-DA-wisconsin_N.htm

 

[Belinda]

So, is there still a chance they will yank his license?

 

[LinasK]

So, is there still a chance they will yank his license?

Good question. From the article:
Kratz suggests his resignation from the district attorney's office isn't an end to his work in the courtroom.
"I hope to repair my reputation and resume my legal career," he said.
Kratz's resignation may not be the final chapter in the controversy.
The Office of Lawyer Regulation, under tremendous pressure after telling Van Groll in March that the messages weren't sufficient to warrant an investigation into whether Kratz committed "professional misconduct," has since reopened its file, citing "substantial new information" that shows the texts were part of a larger pattern of conduct.

 

[reen]

This Kratz guy is a freaky dude....the texting is bad enough, but he wanted one of the women to attend an autopsy "as his girlfriend"??? Seriously?? This guy is totally out there....he's been allowed to behave this way and under the radar for way too long. Scary.

In HEELS and a SKIRT. Yes, I'd jump at the chance to get all dolled up and accompany this hunka hunka burning...something...on a date to watch a cadaver get sliced up.

Gah, I'm so glad he's OUT of there!!

 

[Fairy1]

Good riddance! I hope they keep an eye on this <modsnip> wherever he goes next. He clearly has no idea how to conduct himself in an ethical manner.

And kudos to the women who had the guts to stand up and come forward! Right on!!!

 

[RLynne]

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/lo...cle_75f4efc8-ff15-11df-915d-001cc4c03286.html

A female prosecutor who was once the victim of sexual assault was named Friday to replace a district attorney who resigned in disgrace after trying to strike up a relationship with a domestic violence victim.

 

[Mercyneal]

Excellent choice by the Governor.

That said, if the media hadn't gotten wind of this, Kratz would still be in office. The Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation did virtually nothing until the media stumbled upon it. And neither did the Attorney General.

 

[Gozgals]

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/lo...cle_75f4efc8-ff15-11df-915d-001cc4c03286.html

Thanks for the update.

She sounds like the best choice. I like her style and caring ways.

Good luck to her.

Goz

 

[RLynne]

Ex-Wis. prosecutor won't face charges over sexting

http://host.madison.com/news/article_c434783e-40a6-5491-83cd-18e1c6339ce5.html

A former prosecutor who sent racy text messages to a domestic abuse victim won't face criminal charges over misconduct and sexual assault allegations, the Wisconsin Justice Department announced Monday.

Here's what I find most upsetting:

Kratz's attorney, Robert Bellin, said his office was investigating whether anyone lied in an effort to hurt Kratz.

Link is well worth a read--there are several allegations there that I don't think I'd heard before. I hope that both the OLR investigation, and the pending federal lawsuit, go far.

 

[Blondie in Spokane]

Former district attorney's license is suspended for just four months after he sent series of racy texts to domestic abuse victim, 25, while he was prosecuting her ex

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2650690/Ex-DAs-law-license-suspended-sexting-scandal.html