Wisconsin governor seeks to remove prosecutor who ’sexted’ domestic abuse victim during case

Wisconsin governor seeks to remove DA from office

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s governor says he’ll start the process to remove a prosecutor caught sending sexually-harassing text messages to a domestic abuse victim as soon as he gets a proper complaint.

At a news conference Monday in Madison, Wis., Gov. Jim Doyle said he was appalled by Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz’s behavior. He says he first needs to get a “verified complaint” from a taxpayer in Calumet County. The abuse victim does not live in that county.

Kratz has acknowledged sending 30 text messages in three days last year to a woman while he was prosecuting her ex-boyfriend in an abuse case. He apologized and went on medical leave but has refused to resign.

Wisconsin governors have the power to remove county officials like Kratz for cause.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s governor says he’ll start the process to remove a prosecutor caught sending sexually-harassing text messages to a domestic abuse victim as soon as he gets a proper complaint.

At a news conference Monday in Madison, Wis., Gov. Jim Doyle said he was appalled by Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz’s behavior. He says he first needs to get a “verified complaint” from a taxpayer in Calumet County. The abuse victim does not live in that county.

Kratz has acknowledged sending 30 text messages in three days last year to a woman while he was prosecuting her ex-boyfriend in an abuse case. He apologized and went on medical leave but has refused to resign.

Wisconsin governors have the power to remove county officials like Kratz for cause.