Riverview, Missouri, finds itself grappling with a shocking revelation as its Mayor, Michael Cornell Jr., 39, has been detained on multiple charges related to sexual assault. Arrested during a traffic stop on Thursday, Cornell is accused of using his political position to exploit and assault several individuals, including a minor, with incidents reportedly dating back to 2016. He is currently held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
"When we abuse a position of authority, it ruins the trust that the public has placed in us," said Lt. Col. Jerry Lohr of the St. Louis County Police Department.
The charges against Cornell include 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 sexual assault material. Authorities, including Lt. Col. Jerry Lohr of the St. Louis County Police Department, expressed concern that Cornell's alleged actions have severely undermined public trust. Lohr emphasized that the exploitation of authority to entice victims is particularly egregious.
Cornell's ascent to political power in Riverview began as a trustee in 2022, eventually leading to his election as mayor in April 2024. However, his tenure has been marred by controversies, including lawsuits by two former city employees who claim they were fired for rejecting his sexual advances. These legal proceedings paint a grim picture of repeated physical, verbal, and emotional abuse.
In one of the more recent allegations, authorities claim that in December 2025, Cornell forced a male victim into sexual contact while the latter was unable to resist, resulting in injury. Court filings also reveal assaults on a minor under the age of 17 and other instances causing emotional distress to victims.
Investigators have executed searches at Cornell's residence and city hall, uncovering materials pertinent to the ongoing investigation. While Cornell has yet to retain legal representation as per court documents, and city officials have not responded to inquiries, Riverview Police have labeled the charges as "disturbing," underscoring the principle that no individual is above the law.
This arrest adds to Cornell's divisive history, including a conviction for impersonating a St. Louis police officer in 2017 and several civil lawsuits alleging misconduct and abuse of office. Former officials and city employees have accused him of retaliation against dissent, mismanaging city resources, and fostering a hostile work environment.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Portia Britt has encouraged any other potential victims to come forward, assuring them that there is no shame in the crimes perpetrated against them and that the burden of shame lies solely with Cornell. As the community reels from these allegations, the St. Louis County Police Bureau of Crime Against Persons continues to solicit information from the public regarding the case.
