Dotson said he learned of the allegations on July 11 and Cornell was suspended without pay that day. The chief said he wants to fire him.

Sgt. Thomas Bottini, an Internal Affairs investigator, provided this account in court documents:

The victim told investigators he met Cornell through the victim’s older brother, and a mentor relationship developed. The brothers did odd jobs at Cornell’s house for money, and he would let them play video games and hang out.

The victim’s mother was deceased and his father was incarcerated at the time. After his brother also was jailed, on a weapons offense, the victim moved in with Cornell. The records do not indicate when this occurred. The victim later told investigators he knew Cornell “was police.”

He said another boy already was staying there. Cornell moved that boy to the couch so the victim could have his room. The boy moved out a few days later.

There were always other kids at the house, the victim said, and sometimes they were in bed with Cornell. He said he never personally observed them doing anything wrong but had his suspicions.