Former University Park Mayor Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges
PRINCE GEORGE’S CO., Md. – Joel Biermann, the former mayor of University Park, Md., was arrested and faces over two dozen charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography. The Prince George’s County Police Department reported that Biermann, 46, has been charged with 22 counts of possession of child pornography and six additional felonies tied to solicitation and distribution.
The investigation began when the FBI’s Baltimore field office alerted local authorities in March 2024 about an ongoing child pornography case. Subsequent review of Biermann’s Facebook account revealed over 4,500 messages exchanged with an unidentified individual outside the U.S. from January 2021 through December 2023. These messages included sexually explicit materials involving prepubescent boys, allegedly sent to Biermann in exchange for payment. According to court documents, Biermann made six Paypal payments totaling $858 to the perpetrator, often accompanied by notes suggesting the illicit nature of the transactions.
Following the execution of a search warrant at Biermann’s residence on October 28, authorities discovered multiple electronic devices containing child pornography, with about 45,000 files of abusive material. Additional evidence found in Biermann’s office included a young boy’s underwear.
At the time of these offenses, Biermann was serving as mayor, a position he held since June 2022. His term was set to conclude in June 2024. In July 2024, he was appointed to the Maryland Veterans Home Commission but has since been removed following the allegations. The commission emphasized its commitment to integrity and community safety.
The University Park Police Department, although not directly involved in the arrest, has been made aware of the investigation and will continue to assist as needed.
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