Longtime Benton County Treasurer Richard “Rick” Renno, 62, of Lincoln was arrested on Monday for child sex crimes following an investigation by DDCC, a division of the Missouri Highway Patrol.
According to County Commissioner Steve Daleske, “Renno will stay as the elected County Treasurer until the County Commission receives further direction.”
In August 2024 DDCC investigators received information from a Benton County citizen regarding an adult male who contacted a child who he believed to be under 16 years of age. According to their report, the suspect contacted the individual through an online social media platform and explicit sexual advances were made. In the following months, investigators identified Renno as a person of interest in the case and on June 9, 2025, investigators contacted Renno at his residence in Lincoln, Missouri. A search warrant was executed during which they seized potential evidence.
Following an interview with investigators, Renno was arrested and transported to the Benton County Jail on a 24-hour hold. The St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney was assigned to the case as a Special Prosecutor. Also on Monday, June 9, Renno was charged with one count of Enticement or Attempted Enticement of A Child Less Than 15 Years of Age and one count of Sexual Misconduct Involving A Child. Bond was set at $100,000. According to the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Renno posted bond at around 6:00 PM on Monday evening. His court date is set for June 17 at 1:30 PM.
In their report and press release, the MSHP noted that the above charges are a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
The Division of Drug and Crime Control encourages internet users to promptly report anyone who attempts to engage in unwanted, inappropriate, or sexual communications with children.
