The Westview Middle School principal paid children for sexual images and video calls, according to court documents.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The principal of St. Louis County’s Westview Middle School is in police custody and is charged with numerous crimes relating to sexual contact with children, according to court documents.
Cedric Gerald, 48, was charged with sexual trafficking of a child, possession of child sexual abuse images, and multiple other crimes dating back to 2023, the authorities’ probable cause statement said. Gerald is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
The Riverview Gardens School District said in a Wednesday statement that Gerald has resigned from his position.
“When the district became aware of the initial allegations, the District promptly notified Children’s Division and law enforcement. Dr. Gerald was placed on administrative leave and never returned to District property,” the district said.
Four students allegedly told investigators that Gerald engaged in sexual behaviors with them, including incidents at the school building and in his office. The incidents happened between Jan. 1, 2023, and May 14, 2025.
“Confidential minor victims reported inappropriate FaceTime, text messages, and video calls with Defendant in exchange for payment,” the court documents said. “The Riverview Garden School District administration has been cooperative throughout the investigation.”
Mary Simon, an attorney for one of the victims, said, “We are still investigating this case as well as others that have surfaced. The courage of the victims in this case who are coming forward should be commended. The allegations involving this principal are alarming as they involve a person who should be in a position of trust.”
Gerald reportedly admitted to several of the crimes that the children accused him of.
Investigators suspected that Gerald had other victims, due to his interaction with students. Anyone with further information is asked to call the St. Louis County Police Department at (314) 615-5400.
Sgt. Tracy Panus with the St. Louis County Police Department told 5 On Your Side on May 5 that officers were called to the school to investigate a sexual assault that allegedly happened at the school on May 1, 2025. Police shared no further details at the time.
The district said it was providing access to counselors and social workers onsite at Westview Middle for the rest of the school year.
“The District wants to acknowledge the bravery of our students and staff members who came forward with information regarding this matter,” the district said.
County police and prosecutors planned to hold a joint press conference regarding the allegations at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
