Beech Tree News Network

An April incident involving two Butler County men at a Logansport Road residence is prompting allegations of assault.

The incident apparently involved Robert “Heath” Howard and Chris Reneer.  Mr. Reneer is employed as a Butler County Sheriff’s Deputy.   According to a letter from Matthew J. Baker, a Bowling Green attorney representing Mr. Howard, the altercation took place on April 19.

The letter alleges that “Deputy Reneer forcibly and repeatedly assaulted Heath Howard for no legitimate reason.  Mr. Baker’s letter accuses Mr. Reneer of “simply using his office and title as a means of attaining some sort of personal gain or carrying out some sort of private vendetta.”

Mr. Reneer, through his attorney, Aaron Smith of English, Lucas Priest & Owsley in Bowling Green, dispute the allegations contained in Baker’s letter. 

“Recent news reports on allegations made by Mr. Howard have only told one side of the story. Any interactions between Chris and Mr. Howard were personal and had nothing whatsoever to do with Chris’ duties as a Butler County Deputy Sheriff,” said Smith.   “Any allegations or claims to the contrary are false. Chris has fully cooperated in an investigation of the allegations made by Mr. Howard and looks forward to these issues being finally resolved.”

Following the altercation between the two men, Mr. Reneer informed Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward of the incident.  Sheriff Ward stated that he conducted his own investigation and talked to all participants involved.  Sheriff Ward suspended Mr. Reneer from his deputy position for approximately six weeks.     

Meanwhile, Butler County Attorney Richard J. Deye, per Mr. Baker’s request, contacted the claims department of the Kentucky Association of Counties in order to “provide notice to KACO of a potential claim.”  

According to Mr. Deye, Mr. Howard has “inquired about bringing criminal charges against Deputy Reneer.”  

In response to that inquiry, Mr. Deye contacted Dave Wilson in the office of the state Attorney General.  Mr. Davis works with special prosecutions.  Mr. Deye stated that he and Mr. Wilson agreed that it would be “advisable to have a police investigation.”  Mr. Deye then sent a letter to Lt. Chris Baker with the Kentucky State Police - Post #3 asking them to “investigate or facilitate the investigation.”    

No legal actions - civil or criminal - have been filed at this time regarding the incident.

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John Embry, Beech Tree News

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