Skip to main content

Sexting DA Ken Kratz Resigns

By Laura Strachan, Esq. on October 06, 2010 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

What began as a handful of sexts to a domestic abuse client, and snowballed into many sexts to different clients, seems to have finally ended with the resignation of sexting DA Ken Kratz. USA Today reports that 50 year-old Ken Kratz has left the position he has held since 1992 in the Wisconsin District Attorney's office, and is now seeking professional help for his problems outside of Wisconsin.

USA Today quotes a written statement by Kratz: "It is with deep sadness and regret that I announce my resignation as Calumet County district attorney, effective immediately. I have lost the confidence of the people I represent due primarily to personal issues which have now affected my professional career." Kratz also adds that he hope his resignation will not be the end of his legal practice. Kratz originally refused to resign but when the Wisconsin governor began the removal process, he quickly changed his mind.

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was also quoted on 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. Ken Kratz egregiously violated that basic right and 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."

Kratz is married with one son. Though the messages have all been exposed and documented, Ken Kratz may have more people to answer to. To the anger of many, the Office of Lawyer Regulation originally determined that Kratz's behavior did not rise to the level of professional misconduct. They have since changed their mind (in light of additional victims of the sexts and public complaints) and re-opened their investigation into Ken Kratz. If Kratz is ultimately found guilty of some type of attorney misconduct, punishments could include suspension or potentail disbarment.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard