APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV)--The former Calumet County District attorney accused of sexual harassment took the stand Tuesday, giving a candid testimony.

Ken Kratz  explained for the first time, why he sent sexual text messages to a sexual abuse victim he was working with, admitting he is a diagnosed sex addict and was addicted to pain pills at the time of the incident.

"It's the combination of this disorder and being dependent on prescription drugs in the third week of October that was so dramatic," Kratz testified.

Kratz said he was suicidal before entering treatment for his sex addiction and that after losing everything, he is finally at peace with himself. Kratz said he received in-patient treatment for his sex addiction and is seeking treatment currently.

"I think I get it now, I think I understand the effect my behavior could have on the entire system and i should be punished for it," said Kratz.

Kratz said he has already suffered severe consequences, saying he lost his job, his house, his car, and his law practice. He filed bankruptcy earlier this year because he says no one would hire him as a lawyer because his reputation has been ruined.

"I needed an opportunity to be heard today, not only to apologize to the victims and their families but to my family and my community," said Kratz.

No decision will be made today on whether Kratz will have his license suspended. The judge will make a recommendation of punishment to the state supreme court, who will have the final say.

The state office of Lawyer Regulation wants to suspend Kratz's law license for six months based on accusations that he sent explicit text messages to a former domestic abuse victims, and sexually harassed several other women.

Kratz is represented himself, and has plead no contest to six counts, including sexual harassment and having an offensive personality.

Kratz is called five. witnesses to testify on his behalf, including former employees.

Retired Oneida County Judge Robert E. Kinney is serving as the referee and will recommend a punishment for Kratz to the state Supreme Court.

The hearing was being held at the Paper Valley Radisson Hotel in Appleton and was open to the public.