St. Louis County Police arrested Riverview Mayor Mike Cornell Jr. on Thursday, charging him with 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.

According to police, the alleged crimes involved four victims, including two minors under 17 years old, with incidents spanning from December 2016 to the present. In a probable cause statement, authorities reported that Cornell committed forcible sex acts on at least three victims—including one minor—and made sexual advances against a fourth victim. Police also found child sexual abuse material on Cornell’s phone.

St. Louis County investigators indicated they believe additional victims may exist due to the nature of the alleged crimes and urged anyone with potential knowledge to come forward when ready. Potential victims are directed to contact the Division of Criminal Investigations at (314) 615-5400.

Riverview’s Acting Police Chief Toreyon Times stated: “As the commander of the Riverview Police Department, I would like to say the charges brought against Mike Cornell Jr. are deeply disturbing. I want the ‘City of Riverview’ to know the Police Department stands with the residents of this community, and the victims of these heinous acts. Now that these traumatic incidents have been brought to our attention, we give our full support and cooperation to the Saint Louis County Police Department.” The statement added: “No matter of your position or title, no one is above the law. Anyone who commits offenses and believes they do not have to abide by the law can expect they will be fully prosecuted.”

Cornell, 39, has held leadership roles in Riverview government since 2022, initially as a trustee before being elected mayor in April 2024. Multiple lawsuits have previously been filed against the city alleging misconduct and sexual harassment by him. St. Louis County Police Lt. Colonel Jerry Lohr noted during a news conference: “I think he portrayed himself as an individual who had power, who had prestige, and I think he used that to entice some of his victims.”