Lakewood Gadfly Arrested for Alleged Prostitution Solicitation

An undercover Tacoma Police Special Investigations Unit arrested Frederic Cornell, Lakewood gadfly, for suspicion of prostitution solicitation, according to a police report obtained by Patch.

TPD assisted in a prostitution decoy operation at the 9200 block of Pacific Avenue, a high area of prostitution activity, around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, the police report stated. Cornell parked at a nearby church and made contact with the undercover cop, according to the police report.

Cornell requested oral sex and for her to expose her breasts in the parking lot, the police report stated. TPD used that as probable cause to arrest him.

Cornell, 67, was a regular attendee at Lakewood City Council meetings before Pierce County prosecutors charged him with four counts of first degree child pornography in late April. He often appeared dressed like an Anglican priest.

Cornell has been arrested three times this year. City leaders have contended that the Lakewood man has a criminal history and past sexual misconduct. In late January, he was charged with  for allegedly kicking and pushing his wife Sarah Cornell, according to a police report.

He's scheduled for trial on the child pornography charges in November.

Check back later for an update.