A principal from Westview Middle School in St. Louis County, Cedric Gerald, is facing serious allegations involving multiple counts of crimes against children. At 48 years old, Gerald has reportedly been engaged in inappropriate conduct with at least four students since assuming his role at the school in 2023.
The allegations include inappropriate communications via FaceTime, text messages, and video calls, where Gerald allegedly solicited sexual acts from students in exchange for payments. Investigators revealed that Gerald admitted to several allegations during questioning, leading to charges that include sexual trafficking of a child, sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, and harassment, among others.
The Riverview Garden School District has stated that they received notice of the charges against Gerald on May 14, 2025. They confirmed that upon learning of the initial allegations, prompt action was taken to place him on administrative leave, and he has since resigned. The district affirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with child welfare and law enforcement.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any further information that may aid their investigation.
This unfortunate situation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children in educational environments. The school’s proactive response and cooperation with law enforcement reflect a growing awareness and commitment to protecting students from potential harm.
As this case develops, it is vital for communities to remain vigilant and supportive of protective measures for students to ensure their safety and well-being in schools.