Former DA Kratz wants harassment suit thrown out

Former Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz wants his federal sexual harassment lawsuit dropped. (AP File Photo/Morry Gash)

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – Former Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz is asking that a federal sexual harassment lawsuit against him be thrown out.

Stephanie Van Groll is suing Kratz for sending racy text messages while he prosecuted her ex-boyfriend for domestic abuse. In a response to the lawsuit filed in federal court in Green Bay, Kratz argues it should be dismissed because he did not violate Van Groll’s constitutional rights. He said his initial intention in contacting her was “to offer further assistance in regard to the case and to try to build her up and make her feel better…”

Van Groll said Kratz sent her 30 text messages urging her to enter into a secret sexual relationship with him.

WLUK-TV said the state Office of Lawyer Regulation continues its investigation of Kratz.

Information from: WLUK-TV, http://www.fox11online.com

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