🔴 Website 👉 https://u-s-news.com/
Telegram 👉 https://t.me/usnewscom_channel
OAN Staff Cory Hawkins
6:33 PM – Friday, January 16, 2026
Michael Cornell Jr., the 39-year-old Mayor of Riverview, Missouri — a small north St. Louis County city with about 2,300 residents — has been charged with nine felony sex crimes involving four alleged victims over a span of nearly 10 years.
Cornell, who was elected Riverview’s first African-American trustee in 2022, had served as Mayor since 2024.
He is charged with four counts of second-degree statutory sodomy (deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 17), three counts of first-degree sodomy or attempted sodomy, one count of first-degree harassment and one count of possession of child pornography.
All victims were reportedly acquaintances of Cornell, and prosecutors claim he used his status as a mayor to entice and groom some of the victims. The incidents date back to 2016, with the most recent incident in 2025.
“When we abuse a position of authority, it ruins the trust that the public has placed in us,” Lt. Col. Jerry Lohr, commander of the St. Louis County Police criminal investigations unit, said. “It is disturbing and unfortunate that once again, we will have to rebuild that trust in the people we serve.”
An unnamed minor who was 16-years-old at the time said that Cornell had repeated sexual contact with her between 2016 and 2017, adding that force was often used to complete these acts. An adult male was also allegedly sexually abused by Cornell during the same 2016-2017 period.
Cornell is also accused of forcing another adult male into sexual acts in December 2025. Additionally, a second individual reported being sexually harassed in May and September 2024, citing repeated explicit comments and unwanted physical contact that resulted in significant emotional distress.
“To every victim, we recognize it is easy for us to say this, as we have not lived your experiences, we have not walked in your shoes. But we want you to know that there is no shame in the crimes that were perpetrated against you. The only person that should feel shame in this situation is Mr. Cornell,” St. Louis County Assistant Prosecutor Portia Britt said.
The possession charge against Cornell involves a video containing child sexual abuse material. Highlighting an alleged abuse of power, St. Louis County Police described Cornell’s behavior as “predatory” and expressed concern that his conduct involves a minor.
Investigators believe additional victims, including minors, have yet to come forward.
Cornell was arrested on Thursday during a routine traffic stop in Riverview. He is currently held in the St. Louis County Jail on a $1 million cash-only bond, with a bond reduction hearing scheduled for January 22nd. During his initial court appearance on Friday, Prosecutor Melissa Price Smith emphasized the gravity of the case, stating that a conviction would result in “a lot of prison time.”
This is not Cornell’s first encounter with the law. His legal history dates back to 2014, when he was accused of several sexual offenses and impersonating an officer while serving with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. While the sexual offense charges were dropped, he pleaded guilty to the impersonation charge, which was later expunged in 2021.
Additionally, Cornell and the City of Riverview were previously sued by two former employees who alleged they were fired for refusing his sexual advances.
While prosecutors have not yet confirmed if these individuals are among the victims in the current criminal case, they noted it as a possibility. Cornell is also currently facing other lawsuits involving allegations of negligence, retaliation, and public records violations.
Authorities are encouraging additional victims and anyone with information to call detectives at 314-615-5400.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below