A former high-ranking official in Monroe County is taking legal action against the county and several of its officials, alleging wrongful termination and retaliation. Aundrea L. Armstrong filed a complaint on November 14, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against Monroe County, its Board of Commissioners, and individual members David Vensel, David Hoffman, Jay Heinserling, J. Henry Lievens, Randy Richardville, and William Sisk.
Armstrong’s lawsuit tells a story of alleged political retribution following her exercise of free speech rights. As Deputy County Administrator and designated successor to the County Administrator/Chief Financial Officer under an approved succession plan, Armstrong claims she was unlawfully terminated after providing a character reference for Mark Brant, a Republican County Commissioner involved in legal proceedings. Armstrong asserts that her letter was written in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the county. Despite this distinction, Armstrong alleges that once news of Brant’s conviction became public, she faced retaliation from board members who orchestrated her dismissal under false pretenses.
The complaint further details how Armstrong was allegedly pressured to create a permanent position for William Sisk—a member of the ethics committee investigating her—and how her refusal to comply led to further retaliatory actions. Armstrong argues that these actions were motivated by her protected activities under the First Amendment and because of her gender. She accuses the defendants of conspiring to eliminate her position as part of an unlawful scheme.
Armstrong seeks compensatory damages for economic losses including lost wages and benefits as well as non-economic damages such as emotional distress. She also requests exemplary and punitive damages due to what she describes as intentional misconduct by the defendants. Furthermore, Armstrong asks for reinstatement to her former position or equivalent employment with full benefits restored.
Representing Armstrong are attorneys Joseph X. Michaels and Adam M. Taub from Croson, Taub & Michaels PLLC based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The case is presided over by Judge [Name] under Case ID 2:25-cv-13634-SDK-APP.
Source: 225cv13634_Aundrea_Armstrong_v_Monroe_County_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan..pdf
