Benton County Missouri Treasurer Arrested For Enticement Of A Child

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Richard L. Renno, 62, of Lincoln, MO, for child sex crimes following an investigation by the DDCC. 

Renno is the Benton County, MO, Treasurer.

In August of 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. 

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 Monday, June 9, 2025, investigators contacted Renno at his residence in Lincoln, MO, and executed a search warrant, 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 and, on June 9, 2025, 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. 

Renno is being held at the Benton County Jail on a $100,000 bond.