Austin man turns self in over TV

Published 9:00 am Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Rene Renteria, 23

Rene Renteria, 23, of Austin — who turned himself into police — pleaded not guilty to multiple charges last week in Mower County District Court.

Renteria is charged with first-degree burglary of an occupied dwelling, misdemeanor theft and misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal damage.

According to the court complaint, a woman living in the 700 block of Eighth Avenue Southeast and Renteria’s girlfriend struck a deal on Facebook regarding a TV.

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The couple picked up the television on Sept. 20 at the woman’s house. Renteria’s girlfriend gave the woman $60 — intending to pay another $65 later — and they left with the TV.

The girlfriend said when they realized the TV screen was broken, they went back to get the money.  They were unable to get in contact with the woman by calling her and knocking on her door.Renteria lost his temper and kicked out her back door.

The woman said she was in the shower when she heard banging on doors and windows so she called police at  4:58 p.m. Renteria yelled at her, grabbed the $60 and left through the front door.

After leaving the TV in the front yard, Renteria had his girlfriend drive him to the police station to turn himself in,  she said.

An officer found him in front of the Mower County Justice Center.

Renteria’s pre-trial is scheduled for Jan. 19.