'Sexting' DA Quits, Says He Will Return a 'Better Person'

Oct. 4, 2010 — -- The Wisconsin district attorney accused of "sexting" women involved in cases he was prosecuting has officially resigned from office and apologized for the "embarrassment and shame" he's brought to his family.

"It is with deep sadness and regret that I announce my resignation as Calumet County District Attorney, effective immediately," Calument County District Attorney Ken Kratz said in a letter announcing the move. "I have lost the confidence of the people I represent due primarily to personal issues which have now affected my professional career."

An official with the Calumet County District Attorney's office confirmed the resignation to ABC News.

"I offer a sincere apology to my wife, son and entire family for the embarrassment and shame I have caused," Kratz said in the letter. "They remain supportive of my efforts to seek professional help, and I will be a better person as a result."

Kratz, 50, said his treatment is taking place in another state, but that he plans to return to Wisconsin and "resume [his] legal career." He also said he would return from treatment "a better person."

Kratz initially fought pressure to resign for two weeks after the allegations of sexual harassment were first made public in September, but recently announced that he would step down before the Oct. 8 court hearing that could have forced his removal.

Among those pushing hardest against Kratz was Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, a former district attorney himself. He applauded Kratz's resignation today, but said it would not stop an investigation into "serious questions" about his actions.

"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," Doyle said in a prepared statement. "Ken Kratz egregiously violated that basic right and therefore cannot hold the office of district attorney."

The first of what would become five accusations against Kratz came to light Sept. 15 when The Associated Press published several text messages from Kratz to Stephanie Van Groll, the victim in a domestic violence case Kratz was trying in the fall of 2009.

Van Groll, 26, went to police after she received the texts from Kratz, messages in which he called her a "tall, young, hot nymph" and asked whether she is "the kind of girl that likes secret contact with an older married elected DA."