Craig Cornett out on bail ...

Five words I never wanted to hear together.  Here's the story, written by an anonymous gossip columnist in a local newspaper:

CASINO CONFLICT: Craig Cornett, a former morning show host on local country music radio station KSD (93.7 FM ), may be giving new meaning to the nickname of his old radio station, "The Bull."

Cornett, who had dropped out of sight the past year or so, popped into view yesterday when he was arrested and charged with third-degree assualt in St. Charles County.

Authorities said Cornett, 45, of O'Fallon, Mo., admitted to assaulting a 75-year-old man who, a St. Charles County deputy said, "was unable to defend himself due to his age and frailty" in the parking lot of the Ameristar Casino on Dec. 30, 2010.

In a court document, authorities said Cornett struck the man in the head and face repeatedly with his fist "causing the crime victim to fall back into a metal vehicle door. Cornett continually struck the crime victim when no resistance or aggression was presented. The crime victim sustained numerous lacerations, contusions and swelling about his head and face."

Third-degree assault is punishable by up to a year in jail. Cornett is free after posting $7500 bail.

St. Charles County Prosecutor Jack Banas said today that Cornett and the victim gave conflicting accounts of what happened. He said the victim told investigators that Cornett hit his car, then hit him in the face when he got out to check for damage.

Banas said Cornett told the investigators that the man honked at him repeatedly as he walked through the parking lot, then got out of his car and started the confrontation.

Banas added that his office filed charges based on the statements and surveillance vvideo from the casino. He said he would not release the video until the case was resolved.

Banas said the man Cornett punched refused treatment for his injuries. Cornett could not be reached for comment.

Discuss on the STL Media Message Board. (Registration Required)