Benton County treasurer resigns following petition by Missouri Attorney General

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Benton County Treasurer has resigned following sexual misconduct charges in June.

According to a Missouri Attorney General press release, Andrew Bailey has announced that Richard Renno has resigned from his duties following a petition for writ of quo warranto.

Renno was first charged on June 9 for attempted enticement of a child and sexual misconduct involving a child under 15.

“This resignation is a win for the people of Benton County and a step toward restoring public trust,” said Attorney General Bailey. “When public officials violate the law and abandon their duties, I will act decisively to protect Missouri families.”

The petition by Bailey outlined allegations, including Renno's arrest on felony sex charges involving a minor, use of taxpayer time to engage in the predatory behavior and failure to fulfill the statutory duties as an employee of the office.

“As history shows, corrupt officials faced with overwhelming evidence often choose to resign rather than face removal. That’s exactly what happened here,” said Bailey.

Bailey says that the charges against Renno are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.