Ken Kratz, Sexting DA, Says He Won't Resign, Commits to Therapy and Time Off

MADISON, Wis. (AP) A Wisconsin district attorney says he'll get therapy and consider taking time off work but won't resign over sexually tinged text messages to a domestic abuse victim.

At a news conference Friday, Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz offered what he called a "sincere and heartfelt apology, not only to the young woman but to everyone who has been so deeply affected by this lack of judgment."

But Kratz left without taking questions and didn't respond to calls for his resignation. He said only he would consider taking personal time off work as the court calendar will allow.

Kratz says the 30 text messages he sent to Stephanie Van Groll "showed a lack of respect." In one, he asked whether she was "the kind of girl that likes secret contact with an older married elected DA."

Kratz repeatedly "sexted" Van Groll while he was prosecuting her alleged assailant in a domestic violence case. Kratz threatened to drop the case if she didn't engage in a sexual relationship.

MORE ON CRIMESIDERSept. 16, 2010 - Stephanie Van Groll: "Three Days of Hell" When Wis. DA Kenneth Kratz "Sexted" Her

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