MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Embattled Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger is taking her fight to federal court after claiming there's a broad conspiracy to force her out of office.
Spranger filed a lawsuit saying county officials are conspiring to force her out of her position and violating her constitutional rights.
Macomb County went head-to-head with Spranger in federal court and she represented herself. Both Spranger and the judge acknowledged she was in over her head.
The county was hoping for an immediate dismissal, but Spranger made another legal move Tuesday morning. In court, Judge George Steeh asked Spranger several specific questions about the lawsuit, including what constitutional rights were being violated.
Spranger told the judge the budget was taken out of her hands when she didn't get it in on time, and the planned move to a new building caused her office to sink into dysfunction -- both actions by the county executive.
While he didn't make a decision, the judge made it clear the court is not in a position to interfere with previous state decisions, which Spranger wants him to reverse.
You can watch Jason Colthorp's full story in the video posted above.
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, 2017: Macomb County clerk fined for ethics violation amid dispute with county board
April 20, 2017: Macomb County clerk crashes county car after being fined for ethics violation
April 24, 2017: Neighbor says home listed as Spranger's primary residence overrun with raccoons
May 3, 2017: Emails reveal another battle between Spranger and Macomb County officials
May 4, 2017: Spranger caught hiding moving boxes to block move to new building
May 9, 2017: Legal battle troubles intensify for Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger
May 10, 2017: Judge orders Spranger to cooperate with move to new building
May 17, 2017: Spranger answers claims that her office is 'hostile work environment'
June 19, 2017: Simple report turns heated between Spranger and county officials
June 22, 2017: Macomb County clerk files suit to allow firearms inside government buildings
June 28, 2017: Spranger's employees working in fear after security removed
July 20, 2017: Spranger accused of perjury over 'uninhabitable' home in Warren
Aug. 1, 2017: Lawsuit announced against Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger
Aug. 14, 2017: Employee calls 911 after Spranger asks to look through her purse
Sept. 22, 2017: Spranger accused of moving, hiding computers overnight
Sept. 28, 2017: Judge 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, 2017: Spranger caught on video covering up court order
Oct. 27, 2017: Union files restraining order against Spranger over 'hostile workplace'
Oct. 27, 2017: Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger sues Google amid residency battle
Nov. 1, 2017: Employee blames Spranger for huge online backlog at office
Nov. 7, 2017: Spranger requests $100K to pay for her ongoing legal battles
Nov. 9, 2017: Spranger's office given Thursday deadline to clear e-filing backlog
Nov. 9, 2017: Spranger fails to meet judges' backlog deadline
Nov. 9, 2017: Spranger solves long wait times by bringing in benches for customers
Nov. 21, 2017: Union files motion to hold Spranger in contempt of court
Nov. 29, 2017: Contempt of court hearing held for Spranger
Nov. 30, 2017: Spranger appears before Board of Commissioners
Nov. 30, 2017: Spranger 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, 2018: Spranger files lawsuit against Macomb County alleging conspiracy against her
Jan. 8, 2018: Spranger puts Macomb County hiring on hold
Jan. 23, 2018: Employee says Spranger pressured her to illegally alter record
Jan. 31, 2018: Attorney for Spranger says register of deeds threatened him
Feb. 27, 2018: Spranger takes conspiracy allegations to federal court