# Officer with questionable past becomes city’s top cop

> Riverview police chief fired detective who investigated him after jailhouse appointment.
- Title: Officer with questionable past becomes city’s top cop
- Summary: Riverview police chief fired detective who investigated him after jailhouse appointment. Riverview Police Chief Brandin Neil, appointed after being jailed…
- Keywords: brandin neil, riverview police, municipal police, st. louis city, municipal government, police misconduct, internal affairs, jailhouse appointment, police chief, detective, news, local
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/10/11/officer-with-questionable-past-becomes-citys-top-cop-fires-detective-who-investigated-him
- Published: 2026-10-11T17:50:30.009+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: brandin neil, riverview police, municipal police, st. louis city, municipal government, police misconduct, internal affairs, jailhouse appointment, police chief, detective, news, local
## Riverview police chief appointed after jail
Riverview Police Chief Brandin Neil was handpicked by jailed mayor Michael Cornell Jr. for the top police role.
## Chief Neil fired detective who investigated him
Former Riverview Detective Corporal Maurico Wilson claims he was fired by Chief Neil after investigating him for misconduct.
## Neil’s history of misconduct allegations
Neil faced court action for alleged excessive force, including punches to the head, against non-resisting individuals.
## 2019 gas station incident
In 2019, Neil allegedly punched Bryan Boyle in the head with handcuffs after an argument at a St. Louis City gas station.
## 2021 bench trial
Neil was found not guilty in a 2021 bench trial after a prosecutor argued he had no reason for aggressive response to Boyle.
## 2025 town hall arrest
Neil arrested former Riverview Alderwoman Regina Davis during a town hall meeting, leading to a lawsuit over excessive force.
## 2025 nightclub video
A video shows Neil punching a man in the head while on the ground outside a St. Louis City nightclub on March 14, 2025.
## Jailed mayor’s role
Jailed mayor Michael Cornell Jr. handpicked Neil for the top police role while awaiting trial for alleged sex crimes.
## Neil’s background check
Wilson claims he discovered allegations against Neil during Neil’s background check before rehiring him as chief.
## Wanted for impersonation
A ‘wanted’ was issued for Neil on May 4, 2026, for impersonating a police officer while not employed by any department.
## Neil’s statement
Neil stated he used the past 5 months to bring the department into state compliance and attend community events.
## Furloughed department
Riverview Police Department furloughed on Sept. 10, 2026, with Neil as one of two remaining commissioned officers.
## Internal affairs investigation
Neil was under investigation by Missouri Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) for alleged misconduct during his time with Moline Acres Police.
## Neil’s protection detail
Neil worked as part of mayor Cornell’s protection detail, including trips to strip clubs in Illinois.
## Neil’s lawsuit
Neil filed a lawsuit against Riverview for unpaid comp hours after Cornell’s arrest.
## What happens next
Neil faces ongoing litigation and potential investigation by Missouri POST over misconduct allegations.
## Key takeaway

Riverview Police Chief Brandin Neil, appointed after being jailed, fired a detective who investigated him for misconduct allegations.