The Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation has reopened its investigation into District Attorney Kenneth Kratz, who allegedly sent sexually suggestive text message to four women, including one whose domestic abuse case he was handling.
Kratz has admitted to sending Stephanie Van Groll inappropriate text messages in October 2009, when he was handling her domestic abuse case. Since then, three other women have reportedly come forward alleging that Kratz sent them suggestive text messages. One of the women also accused Kratz of inviting her to an autopsy on a date.
OLR Director Keith Sellen said that his office is reopening the investigation since the new revelations indicate “a pattern of conduct” by Kratz, The Associated Press reports.
The AP says:
The agency closed the case in March, saying the text messages were inappropriate but did not amount to professional misconduct. If the agency had found misconduct, it could have reprimanded, suspended or even sought to disbar Kratz.
Kratz has refused to step down, but went on medical leave earlier this week. Gov. Jim Doyle also began taking steps this week to have Kratz removed from office.
Full coverage of Kratz here.
