Following his swearing-in, U.S. Attorney Duane “Dak” Kees engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, as revealed by documents from the Justice Department. Despite stepping down from his position under investigation, Kees has now secured a new government role on a state commission overseeing the ethics of Arkansas judges.
The recent Justice Department report sheds light on Kees’s conduct while serving as the top federal prosecutor for the Western District of Arkansas. Concerned about losing his position, he attempted to prevent the firing of another employee involved in misconduct to divert attention from his own transgressions.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin was unaware of the allegations against Kees when appointing him to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission in 2023. Following the report’s publication, Kees has resigned from his position on the commission.
The improper relationship with his subordinate lasted approximately seven months, beginning with flirtatious conversations and leading to sexual contact. The report indicates conflicting accounts regarding who initiated the relationship, with the subordinate’s identity redacted. Kees allegedly used his authority to pressure the subordinate for physical affection.
Kees served as U.S. attorney from January 2018 until his resignation in January 2020, following an interview with misconduct investigators. Despite lacking experience with the Justice Department, he was appointed by former President Donald Trump. Kees later transitioned to a legal role at Tyson Foods.
The Justice Department report highlights how Kees allowed his past relationship to influence office decisions, including disciplinary actions involving an employee with a history of misconduct. Meetings discussing the employee’s punishment referenced Kees’s previous relationship, which he sought to keep hidden.
The Justice Department inspector general concluded its investigation in November 2021 and released a summary of findings in January 2022. In June 2023, Kees was appointed to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission by the Arkansas attorney general, overseeing misconduct among the state’s judges until 2029.
Griffin praised Kees’s credentials and service record in the press release announcing the appointment, emphasizing his suitability for the commission. Kees’s resignation from the commission was confirmed by the Arkansas attorney general’s office on May 14, 2024.
