(WWJ) - A trial date has been set for former Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger, who was removed from her position last year.
Trial will begin on March 31 for Spranger, who is charged with a single count of larceny. She's accused of stealing more than $1,600 from an elderly acquaintance she was taking care of.
Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said Spranger was working as a caregiver for the 78-year-old victim when she used the woman's ATM card eight times without permission. A surveillance image of Spranger, taken at a bank ATM, was distributed to the public while investigators were trying to track her down. There were allegations that she abused the friend as well, but no charges were brought.
Spranger has pleaded not guilty in the case.
The 66-year-old Spranger was a political unknown when she we elected to the position of Macomb County Clerk as a Republican in 2016. Known for her bizarre and erratic behavior while in office, she was ousted in March of 2018 after it was discovered she'd lied about her residency on documents she filed to run.
If convicted on the larceny charge, Spranger faces up to five years in prison.
