Another challenger for Seth Williams?

Defense attorney Lawrence Krasner appears ready to jump into the already crowded Democratic primary race for district attorney in Philadelphia.

An enigmatic news release sent from a telling email address — lawrencekrasnerforda@gmail.com — stated Krasner would "announce his intentions" regarding the race at a news conference Wednesday evening.

Krasner could not be reached for comment, but a source who said he was familiar with his thinking said Krasner was planning to enter the race.

Krasner's candidacy would make him the fifth Democrat to challenge District Attorney Seth Williams in the May 16 primary. The news release highlighted Krasner's 30 years of experience defending clients arrested for free speech activity, including protesters at the 2000 Republican National Convention and the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Williams' other challengers include Michael Untermeyer, a former city and state prosecutor who is now a real estate investor; Rich Negrin, a former city prosecutor who served as managing director under Mayor Michael A. Nutter; Teresa Carr Deni, a former Municipal Court judge who served 21 years on the bench; and Joe Khan, a former city and federal prosecutor.

Williams, who is vying for a third term, has struggled with a series of ethical disclosures, including revelations of $160,050 in unreported gifts from campaign contributors and attorneys. This led the Philadelphia Board of Ethics on Jan. 17 to fine him $62,000, the largest penalty ever imposed by the board.

Krasner would enter a high-stakes race in which Williams has less cash than three of four primary challengers as of Dec. 31, according to Jan. 31 campaign finance reports analyzed by the Inquirer.

Krasner, 56, is a graduate of the University of Chicago and Stanford Law School. He worked as a public defender in Philadelphia from 1987 to 1991 before working for the Federal Public Defender's Office in the city from 1991 to 1993, according to this law firm website. Krasner has been in private practice since 1993.

Most recently, Krasner defended Ibrahim Muhammed in a high-profile case.  Muhammed was found guilty last Dec. 23 for a triple killing during a robbery of a West Philadelphia bodega in 2011.

Krasner's announcement will take place at 5 p.m. at PhillyCAM Studios at 699 Ranstead St., Suite 1. The event is free and open to the public.