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Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger allegedly kicked employee; 2 criminal investigations opened today

Register of Deeds says Donald Trump sent U.S. Marshals to Macomb County

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger allegedly kicked an employee Monday morning at the clerk's office sparking a second criminal investigation opened against her on the same day.

Four Macomb County sheriff's deputies were called to the clerk's office after a member of the county executive's office asked for her to be removed from the building.

It was alleged that Spranger was harassing an employee. The employee went to her immediate supervisor while Spranger allegedly stood outside the office and blocked the doorway when the employee attempted to leave. Spranger is accused of kicking the employee when she tried to leave the room.

Evidence technicians are looking at security video.

The employee was visibly upset when she left for the day. 

Macomb County Deputy Clerk Jackie Ryan (WDIV)

Register of Deeds, Jackie Ryan, said Donald Trump has already sent U.S. Marshals to help with the situation. When pressed for specific details, she didn't say how many U.S. Marshals were on the way to Macomb County or what their role would be. 

The incident comes on the same day as a separate criminal investigation involving travel expenditures. The Macomb County Sheriff's Office received a complaint regarding a trip to Washington, D.C. for a conference in which Spranger allegedly took a non-county employee, Niki Brandenburg, and paid her $650 admission with the county's credit card. Ryan says they received permission from the county's finance department.

Both investigations are ongoing.

"She is the Mother of Anarchy," said Mark Deldin, deputy executive of Macomb County. "There is just no middle ground on anything."

Ryan alleges Deldin threatened her verbally Saturday. The Macomb County Sheriff's Office confirmed a complaint was filed and the case was already closed with "no crime" was committed. 

Full coverage of Karen Spranger

Jan. 19, 2017: Spranger barred from using county computers after violating security protocols

March 13, 2017: Spranger seeks lawyer for court battle with Hackel

April 11, 2017: Spranger hides in bathroom to avoid questions about dispute with county board

April 20, 2017Macomb County clerk fined for ethics violation amid dispute with county board

April 20, 2017Macomb County clerk crashes county car after being fined for ethics violation

April 24, 2017Neighbor says home listed as Spranger's primary residence overrun with raccoons

May 3, 2017Emails reveal another battle between Spranger and Macomb County officials

May 4, 2017Spranger caught hiding moving boxes to block move to new building

May 9, 2017Legal battle troubles intensify for Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger

May 10, 2017Judge orders Spranger to cooperate with move to new building

May 17, 2017Spranger answers claims that her office is 'hostile work environment'

June 19, 2017Simple report turns heated between Spranger and county officials

June 22, 2017Macomb County clerk files suit to allow firearms inside government buildings

June 28, 2017Spranger's employees working in fear after security removed

July 20, 2017Spranger accused of perjury over 'uninhabitable' home in Warren

Aug. 1, 2017Lawsuit announced against Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger

Aug. 14, 2017Employee calls 911 after Spranger asks to look through her purse

Sept. 22, 2017Spranger accused of moving, hiding computers overnight

Sept. 28, 2017Judge rules against Spranger in 'toxic work environment' case

Oct. 21, 2017: Spranger's totaled car among items up for bids at Macomb County auction

Oct. 25, 2017Spranger caught on video covering up court order

Oct. 27, 2017Union files restraining order against Spranger over 'hostile workplace'

Oct. 27, 2017Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger sues Google amid residency battle

Nov. 1, 2017Employee blames Spranger for huge online backlog at office

Nov. 7, 2017: Spranger requests $100K to pay for her ongoing legal battles

Nov. 9, 2017Spranger's office given Thursday deadline to clear e-filing backlog

Nov. 9, 2017Spranger fails to meet judges' backlog deadline

Nov. 9, 2017: Spranger solves long wait times by bringing in benches for customers

Nov. 21, 2017Union files motion to hold Spranger in contempt of court

Nov. 29, 2017Contempt of court hearing held for Spranger

Nov. 30, 2017: Spranger appears before Board of Commissioners

Nov. 30, 2017Spranger grilled over massive backlog in her office

Dec. 11, 2017: Judge hears arguments on Spranger's firing of employees

Dec. 15, 2017: Video shows feces, clutter in house Spranger listed as residence

Jan. 2, 2018Spranger files lawsuit against Macomb County alleging conspiracy against her

Jan. 8, 2018Spranger puts Macomb County hiring on hold

Jan. 23, 2018Employee says Spranger pressured her to illegally alter record

Jan. 31, 2018: Attorney for Spranger says register of deeds threatened him

Feb. 27, 2018Spranger takes conspiracy allegations to federal court

March 13, 2018Officials claim glitch at courts caused by Spranger maxing out credit card

March 19, 2018: Motions heard in Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger residency hearing


About the Authors
Jason Colthorp headshot

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.

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Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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