Content warning: This article contains mentions of child sexual abuse materials.
Former University Park Mayor Joel Biermann was arrested Monday on child sexual abuse materials charges.
Biermann was arrested after the FBI executed a search warrant on his University Park home. He faces 22 charges for possession of child sexual abuse materials and six additional child sexual abuse materials-related charges, according to court documents.
University Park Police were notified about the FBI’s search warrant on Monday morning and were not involved in the search and Biermann’s arrest.
University Park is adjacent to College Park and Hyattsville. Biermann was on the University Park Town Council from June 2020 through June 2022. He later served as the town’s mayor from June 2022 until June 2024. Biermann lost his bid for reelection in May.
“These are serious charges and [University Park] is ready to assist as requested,” the town of University Park wrote in a statement.
Biermann was also appointed by Gov. Wes Moore in July to serve on the Maryland Veterans Home Commission. He has been removed from his position, the commission said in a statement to FOX 5.
[Ex-College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn to serve 30 years for child sexual abuse materials]
Most of Biermann’s charges are dated to October 2024, but others date back to 2021 and 2023.
FBI investigators said they found 45,000 files on Biermann’s electronic devices that showed suspected child sexual abuse, according to charging documents obtained by WTOP. Investigators also found a pair of boys’ underwear and a blow-up doll in his office, WTOP reported.
WTOP said investigators found 4,500 messages on Facebook between Biermann and an unknown individual. Biermann asked and paid the individual to send sexual images of young boys, according to the charging documents obtained by WTOP.
Biermann’s arrest comes after former College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn pleaded guilty to 140 counts of child sexual abuse materials charges in August 2023. Wojahn was arrested in March 2023 and was later sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Biermann is being held without bond after Wednesday’s bond review hearing. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 27 in the Prince George’s County District Court.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said in a statement Wednesday she is grateful Biermann will remain in custody.
“The allegations and evidence seized during the execution of the search warrant are both repugnant and extremely disturbing,” she said in the statement. “They serve as proof that he is a continued danger to the community.”
