Benton County official charged with sex crimes resigns
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A county official in Mid-Missouri has given up his seat after being charged with child sex crimes.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in a news release Monday that Richard Renno, Benton County treasurer, had resigned his office. Renno submitted his resignation after Bailey took legal action last week to remove him from office in a process known as "quo warranto."
Renno, 62, of Lincoln, was charged in Benton County with child enticement and sexual misconduct involving a child younger than 15 years old. The probable cause statement says that Renno used the dating application Grindr in August to speak to a child younger than 15 years old. A witness allegedly gave a screenshot to law enforcement of Renno’s face and a nude photograph he sent through Grindr, court documents say.
A family member was able to identify Renno to law enforcement, the statement says.
"At this time, I have decided to take time to spend with my family and friends, as personal time is a valuable asset, not to be taken for granted," Renno wrote in his resignation letter.
Renno remained out on bond Monday with special conditions, including no contact with anyone under age 18 except for supervised contact with family members, according to court records. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 22.
