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Riverview Mayor Michael Cornell Charged With 9 Felonies, Held on $1 Million Cash Bond

A bond hearing is set next week with a preliminary hearing on February 18.

Overview

  • Prosecutors filed four counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, three counts of first-degree sodomy or attempted sodomy, one count of first-degree harassment, and one count of possession of child pornography.
  • Alleged conduct spans 2016–2017 with a teenager and separate assaults involving adult males in 2016–2017, in May and September 2024, and as recently as last month.
  • Authorities say there are at least four victims, including a child, and investigators urged anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police.
  • Police officials said Cornell presented himself as an authority figure to entice victims; records show a 2017 guilty plea for impersonating an officer and an expired peace officer license.
  • Cornell was arrested during a traffic stop after searches at his home and office, Riverview police called the charges deeply disturbing, and the department pledged full cooperation with county investigators.