A disciplinary office operated by the Kansas Supreme Court has opened an investigation into Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach after receiving a complaint.
Keri Strahler, 47, of Topeka, said she received a letter over the weekend that says allegations she made against Kobach will be investigated and that an investigator would be in contact with her. Strahler said Monday that she has not yet heard from anyone at the court since receiving the letter Saturday.
Supreme Court spokeswoman Lisa Taylor said she could not confirm or comment on the investigation because proceedings in the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator are confidential, but she said complainants and respondents in investigations can release the information. The administrator reviews complaints of misconduct against lawyers, conducts investigations, holds public hearings when appropriate, and recommends discipline to the Supreme Court in serious matters, according to the office website.
Kobachs spokeswoman Samantha Poetter said in an email that Kobachs office was reviewing the investigation and had no comment.
Strahler said Monday that she thought Kobach had shown a lack of respect for the courts. In her letter to the court, Strahler said she thought there were ethical questions surrounding Mr. Kobachs behavior as an attorney. She cited previous news articles regarding Kobachs failure to respond quickly enough to a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union and a fine he received for misleading the court.
