MOFFAT, CO – A 71-year-old man is facing federal time after admitting he deliberately torched the Moffat Post Office last year. Donald Albert Renner pleaded guilty to one count of willfully injuring property of the United States, a felony, in Denver’s federal court Friday, according to officials.
The July 16, 2021, fire ripped through the small-town post office at 17363 Highway 17, leaving a trail of smoke and thermal damage both inside and outside the building. Investigators quickly zeroed in on Renner after discovering traces of gasoline – on carpet samples taken from inside the post office, on a mat outside, and smeared across the concrete in front of the building. The accelerant was used to intentionally ignite the structure, authorities say.
The damage wasn’t minimal. The blaze caused approximately $12,000 in total destruction, impacting mail delivery and services for the rural community of Moffat. While the extent of Renner’s motive remains unclear, the evidence presented in court painted a clear picture of a deliberate act of arson. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office jointly investigated the case, piecing together the evidence that led to Renner’s guilty plea.
Federal prosecutor Albert Buchman is handling the case, and Judge William J. Martinez will determine Renner’s fate at a sentencing hearing scheduled for April 26, 2023. The plea agreement details a clear admission of guilt, likely influencing the judge’s decision on the length of the sentence. A conviction for willfully damaging government property carries significant penalties, including potential imprisonment and hefty fines.
This isn’t just about a burned building; it’s about a deliberate attack on a vital community service. The post office serves as a lifeline for many in Moffat, and Renner’s actions disrupted that connection. The ATF, in conjunction with other federal and local agencies, takes these attacks on federal property extremely seriously.
The case is numbered 22-cr-00074. Renner remains free on bond pending sentencing. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing as it occurs. The full details of the investigation, including the specific evidence presented, are available through the Department of Justice website.
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