A former Craig Police Department officer has been charged with third-degree assault and child abuse, according to court documents.

Tracy Reneau, 30, of Craig, was placed on administrative leave Aug. 2 when the Moffat and Routt County Sheriffs’ Offices informed Craig Chief of Police Walt Vanatta of an investigation into alleged child abuse, Vanatta said.

“When we were made aware of the original allegations, she was put on administrative leave,” he said.

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On Aug. 17, the 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office filed two misdemeanor charges — third-degree assault and child abuse — against Reneau for injuries she allegedly caused to her stepchild while off duty and summoned her to appear in court.

According to the complaint, “On or about July 26, 2016, Tracy Reneau unlawfully, knowingly, or recklessly cause injury to, or permitted to be unreasonably placed in a situation that posed a threat of injury to, the life or health of a child… that resulted in an injury to the child.”

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Attorney Larry Combs, legal counsel for Reneau, said his client would seek a jury trial at her first appearance on Oct. 5.

“We will be entering a plea of not guilty and scheduling the trial date,” he said.

Vanatta said he is unable to discuss the details of Reneau’s departure from the department because it is a personnel matter.

However, the police department’s monthly report for Augustthe police department’s monthly report for August shows that the department will be vetting candidates on Sept. 28 to fill Reneau’s position. shows that the department will be vetting candidates on Sept. 28 to fill Reneau’s position.

the police department’s monthly report for August shows that the department will be vetting candidates on Sept. 28 to fill Reneau’s position.

Routt County Undersheriff Ray Birch said he could not comment on an ongoing case.

“The judicial process is pending,” he said.

Vanatta said he believes law enforcement officers should be held to a higher standard when it comes to abiding by the law, and it is also department policy to refrain from engaging in criminal acts.

“Part of what we do for an oath of office is swear to uphold the laws of the state of Colorado, the city and the constitution,” he said.

Police officers convicted of assault are decertified by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training BoardColorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board and can no longer work in law enforcement. and can no longer work in law enforcement.

Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board and can no longer work in law enforcement.

Reneau is scheduled to appear in Routt County Court at 9 a.m. on Oct. 5.

Contact Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or Contact Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or pkelly@CraigDailyPress.com or follow him on Twitter @M_PKelly.Contact Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or pkelly@CraigDailyPress.com or follow him on Twitter @M_PKelly.