Cedric Gerald, a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) educator and recent principal at Westview Middle School in Missouri, is facing multiple child sex crime charges, according to St. Louis County Police.
According to WCNC, Gerald, 48, is accused of inappropriate conduct involving at least four students between January 1, 2023, and May 14 this year. Allegations include explicit video calls and sexual activities on school property. Police say Gerald admitted to several accusations during their investigation.
Charges against him include second-degree sexual trafficking of a child under 18, sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, attempted statutory sodomy, and sexual misconduct involving a child under 15.
St. Louis County Police confirmed that additional investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of more victims due to Gerald's prior roles in multiple school districts. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact them.
Law firms Simon Law and O'Brien Law Firm, representing six alleged victims from multiple districts, are calling for others to come forward. Attorneys Mary Simon and Grant Boyd told QC News that the alleged misconduct may extend beyond Missouri.
During Gerald’s time at CMS from August 2000 to July 2013, he worked as an English teacher and literacy coach. Records obtained by WBTV show no prior disciplinary actions during his employment.
The Riverview Gardens School District stated that Gerald was placed on administrative leave after the initial allegations, and appropriate notifications were made to law enforcement and child protection authorities. He has not returned to district property since.
CMS has declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal proceedings but confirmed that all standard hiring procedures, including background checks, were followed.
