Former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teacher charged with child sex crimes; law firms represent multiple victims across states
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A former middle school principal now facing serious child sex abuse charges in Missouri once worked for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
According to law enforcement and legal representatives, Cedric Gerald, 48, who most recently served as a principal at Westview Middle School in the Riverview Gardens School District in St. Louis County, has been charged with multiple crimes, including sexual trafficking of a child, sexual exploitation of a minor, and possession of child pornography.
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At least four Westview Middle students have come forward, alleging Gerald engaged in inappropriate and illegal behavior, including explicit FaceTime calls, sexual contact at school, and harassment. St. Louis County Police said Gerald admitted to several of the accusations.
Before working in Missouri, Gerald spent at least 16 years with CMS as a teacher and literacy coach. He later held positions in other districts in North Carolina and Missouri.
In response to questions about Gerald's history, CMS issued this statement:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools follows standard hiring procedures. Positions are posted, interviews are conducted, and recommendations to hire are made. All new hires go through a criminal background check, drug test, and fingerprints through the Standard Bureau of Investigation.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Two law firms, identified as Simon Law and the O'Brien Law Firm, are now representing at least six victims from multiple school districts. They're encouraging others who may have been harmed, including outside Missouri, to come forward.
'We have information that his abuse spans more than one school district,' Boyd said in a written statement, released on Tuesday. 'That's why we are investigating Riverview Gardens School District's practices, and how they failed to take proactive and reactive measures to protect students.'
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Investigators believe Gerald's abuse could span several years and multiple states. Anyone with information is urged to contact St. Louis County Police at 314-615-5400.
Queen City News has contacted CMS for more details about Gerald's time in the district and whether any concerns were raised during his tenure.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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