Ex-Macomb County clerk Karen Spranger taken into custody after being charged with larceny

Spranger accused of stealing $1,660 from woman

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said this image shows former county clerk Karen Spranger illegally taking money from another woman's bank account in January 2019. (WDIV)

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Former Macomb County clerk Karen Spranger has been taken into custody after being charged with larceny, according to Warren police.

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said Spranger stole money from a 78-year-old woman.

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Police suspected Spranger of stealing money from the woman two months ago, but Smith said he needed time to look at the case. He said he asked to see more of the bank records and surveillance video.

Smith released pictures Wednesday that show Spranger making ATM withdrawals at a Chase Bank.

Police said she was using the 78-year-old woman's debit card during the transactions.

In all, Smith said Spranger made eight withdrawals worth $1,660 between Jan. 1 and Jan. 8.

"Today, we charge Karen Spranger with larceny between $1,000 and $20,000, which is a felony," Smith said Wednesday.

Officials said Spranger was taking care of the 78-year-old woman beginning last September. At some point, the woman noticed her debit card was missing and told police Spranger pushed her down in a parking lot when confronted about the card.

Once police got involved, Spranger disappeared, Smith said.

"A lot of this has been frustrating because police have been trying to get in touch with Spranger and left no stone unturned," Smith said. "Of course, we'd like to get her side of things."

Arrest at Tim Hortons

Warren police said Spranger was arrested Thursday at a Tim Hortons restaurant on 12 Mile Road at Mound Road. When officers approached her, she denied any knowledge of the arrest warrant for her, police said.

She was arraigned on the charge Friday and released on a $3,000 bond.

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

Feb. 28, 2019: Spranger accused of attacking, stealing from 78-year-old woman

May 1, 2019: Spranger charged with larceny


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