Published: September 28, 2009 09:23 am      

Verden’s Rennels pleads guility to embezzlement

A gambling addict pleaded guilty Thursday to embezzlement and agreed to repay $421,500 to the victim — the private association that regulates high school sports in Oklahoma.

Danny Rennels, the association’s former executive secretary, will not spend any time in prison. He has 30 days to pay restitution. P

rosecutors said relatives agreed to come up with the money.

Rennels, 58,of Verden, also must complete 175 hours of community service. He must pay court costs, a $500 fine and $100 to a state victims’ fund.He will be on probation for five years, and he agreed to follow special conditions "for gambling addicted persons” while on probation.

The guidelines require him to stay out of casinos and off Internet gambling sites. He also must attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings at least twice a week and seea counselor at least twice a month. He must go to group counseling at least once a week. He has to write an apology letter to his victim.