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MINOT -- A 27-year-old high risk registered sex offender, transgender and former student at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch near Minot has been charged with a Class A misdemeanor for allegedly trying to visit former teachers at the ranch.

Brynner Phoenix Rennecke, Minot, who is also informally known as Riley Lilian Grace Byerly, is charged with unlawful presence of a sexual offender near schools. The offense carries a maximum sentence of 360 days in prison and up to $3,000 in fines.

Rennecke is listed as a male on the North Dakota Sex Offenders Registry but female pronouns and the female given name are used in the probable cause affidavit filed with the court. Rennecke is currently transitioning from male to female, according to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court.

Rennecke made an initial appearance on the charge in district court in Minot on Thursday before Judge Doug Mattson. Mattson set bond at $7,500 cash or corporate surety and ordered Rennecke to have no contact with anyone under age 18 or with the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.

Ward County Assistant State's Attorney Christopher Nelson said Rennecke could be a danger to the community.

Rennecke plans to apply for a court-appointed lawyer and has no job.