Turning down criminal prospective renters

[Sally Costik]

Had a phone call from a couple - seemed nice on the phone, reasonable explanation why they wanted to move, etc.  Did a background check, found out that the man has been jailed on terroristic threats, assault, bad checks, etc.  16 of them!  Also broke his baby's arm, so child abuse, too.  She was almost as bad - passed half a dozen bad checks.   Now, they are fully expecting that i will rent to them, based on our initial conversation which was actually quite pleasant.  How do I turn these people down without them retaliating on me and my properties?  Its a small town.  And believe me, I am going to turn them down.