Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed for the ouster of Benton County Treasurer Richard Renno, citing a troubling mix of gross misconduct and violations of Missouri law. The official legal petition, known as a quo warranto, is Bailey's attempt not only to remove Renno but also to prevent him from holding office again. The Attorney General's Office announcement, released yesterday, highlights Renno's alleged abuse of power, including being jailed for sex crimes and failing to meet his statutory duties.
The filing against Renno elaborates on incidents such as his arrest during working hours for two felony charges; including attempted enticement of a child and sexual misconduct involving a minor under 15. Renno allegedly sent a message to a minor through the Grindr app while on the clock. Per the Office of the Attorney General, his actions reflect a "willful neglect of duty and criminal behavior," leading to a forfeiture of his office under state law. Despite the seriousness of these charges, Renno is, as in all criminal cases, presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to the Attorney General's office, the Benton County Prosecutor is unable to act on this matter due to an existing obligation to represent local officials, therefore unable to pursue Renno's removal. The Benton County Commission similarly lacks authority to remove Renno, pushing the Attorney General's Office to intervene. A preliminary order has already been sought to bar Renno from his duties temporarily. However, Bailey is clear in his stance for a permanent solution, declaring, "The people of Missouri expect their leaders to serve honorably," in a move to reinforce public trust and ethics within local government, as per the Attorney General's Office official statement.
"By abandoning his office, engaging in criminal conduct during work hours, and spending taxpayer time soliciting what he believed to be a minor, Respondent has forfeited the right to serve the people of Benton County and must be removed," read the petition, as stated by the Attorney General's Office.
