Missouri – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced on Monday that Benton County Treasurer Richard Renno has resigned. This happened after the Attorney General’s Office took quick legal action. Bailey had recently filed a petition for a writ of quo warranto—a legal maneuver used to challenge a public official’s right to hold office—seeking Renno’s immediate and permanent removal.
“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 Attorney General’s petition portrayed a troubling picture. The document states that Renno was arrested on felony sex charges involving a kid and was accused of utilizing taxpayer money to conduct things that were harmful to others. The petition also said that Renno didn’t do the main duties of his job, which is a big problem since he was the only one working at the Treasurer’s Office.
Renno’s resignation is not the only one. During Bailey’s time in office, the Attorney General’s Office has filed quo warranto actions against a number of public officials who were accused of not doing their jobs or breaking the law. In the past, legal pressure made authorities like former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner and the Mississippi County Sheriff quit before a final court decision was made.
“As history shows, corrupt officials faced with overwhelming evidence often choose to resign rather than face removal. That’s exactly what happened here,” concluded Attorney General Bailey.
Read also: Missouri AG leads 28-state push urging NCAA to restore women’s sports records lost to policy changes
Bailey highlighted that quo warranto remains an important way to hold elected officials responsible and said again that he is committed to keeping public service transparent. The Attorney General’s Office has promised to use all legal means at its disposal to fight wrongdoing and uphold the law in all of Missouri.
Read also: Kansas City lands hit Apple TV+ series thanks to top film incentives and growing industry appeal
Bailey informed the public that Renno, like everyone else who has been charged with a crime, is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, even though the charges are very serious.
