Snellville City Clerk Phyllis Richards has hired attorney Harrry Daniels to represent her in a federal lawsuit accusing city officials of discrimination because she is black. Documents filed in court claim violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically, Richardson’s complaint accuses mistreatment by verbal and email communications with the city manager, members of the city council and other officials dating back to January 2014.

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal battles involving Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz, the city council, City Manager Butch Sanders and City Attorney Tony Powell.