ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A former north county middle school principal was arraigned Thursday morning on sex crimes against students. 

Former Westview Middle School principal Cedric Gerald is facing nine felony charges that could lead to life in prison. 

Some of the alleged crimes were committed on school grounds. 

“Another student disclosed that the suspect touched him inappropriately in a school bathroom. Another student disclosed that the defendant engaged in inappropriate conduct in the principal’s office,” St. Louis County Assistant Prosecuting attorney John Schlesinger said. 

Police say Gerald would pay some of the victims for inappropriate interactions on video calls and text messages.

Gerald’s first year as principal at Westview was the 2023-2024 school year and some of the alleged crimes reportedly happened in that first year. 

“I’d like to first thank the victims for having the courage to come forward. Your courage and resilience are an example for all of us,” Lt. Col. Jerry Lohr with the St. Louis County Police said. 

Previously, Gerald was also principal at McCluer High School in Florissant. Although there has been no reported misconduct from McCluer at this time, the Ferguson-Florissant School District sent a message to parents this week, encouraging anyone with concerns to come forward. 

Investigators on Thursday acknowledged there could be more victims. 

“We pray there are no more, but we are very aware that there may be additional victims out there,” St. Louis County prosecutor Melissa Price Smith said. 

Riverview Gardens School District says it is actively cooperating with the investigation. 

It sent FOX 2 a statement saying, 

“The district wants to acknowledge the bravery of our students and staff members who came forward with information regarding this matter.” 

Gerald is being held on a $1 million bond.