Culpeper Police Arrest Local Man for Soliciting a Minor for Prostitution

On November 7, 2025, the Culpeper Police Department arrested a 38-year-old Culpeper resident following an investigation into the solicitation of prostitution from a minor.

In October of 2025, the department received a report alleging that an adult male had solicited a juvenile for sexual acts. Detectives from the Culpeper Police Department, assigned to the Northern Virginia-District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children (NOVA-DC ICAC) Task Force, initiated an investigation and quickly brought the case to a close. The suspect was identified as Joseph Kyle Cornell, 38 years old.  Cornell was known to the juvenile victim. It was learned by Detectives that Cornell solicited child pornography and proposed a sexual relationship with the juvenile victim in exchange for money and gifts.

On November 7, 2025, Culpeper Police Detectives and Officers executed a search warrant in the 2500 block of Post Oak Dr. where Joseph Cornell was taken into custody and evidence was seized. He was subsequently charge with the following offenses:

• One felony count of Soliciting Prostitution from a Minor
• One felony count of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Minor
• One felony count of Soliciting Child Pornography
• One felony count of Use of a Communications System to Facilitate Offenses Involving Children

Cornell was transported to the Culpeper County Jail, where he was held without bond by order of a magistrate.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming as detectives review evidence and pursuit additional leads.

The NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force is coordinated by the Virginia State Police and focuses on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals involved in the exploitation of children online.

Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact Detective M. Hays at (540)829-5508 or via email at tips@culpeperva.gov.

To remain anonymous, contact Culpeper Crime Solvers at (540)727-0300 or submit a tip online at www.culpeperpd.org. Suspect a child may be in danger online? Submit a cyber-tip at www.cybertipline.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST (1800-843-5678).

Attached Photo: Joseph Kyle Cornell, 38, of Culpeper, VA

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