Grand Jury Indicts Former College Park Mayor On 80 Child Pornography Charges

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Former College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn, 47, has been indicted by a Prince George's County Grand Jury on 80 child pornography charges. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

In February 2023, the Prince George’s County Police Department received notification from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that suspected child pornography had been distributed by someone in the county.

PGPD detectives served a search warrant at Wojahn’s College Park home Feb. 28. Investigators recovered multiple cell phones, a storage device, a tablet and a computer.

Wojahn was arrested and initially was charged with 40 counts of possession of child exploitative material and 16 counts of distribution of child exploitative material. He was indicted on 40 counts of possession of child exploitative material and 4o counts of distribution of child exploitative material. He resigned shortly before he was arrested. He had been mayor of College Park since 2015 and served on the council since 2007.

“This is an unprecedented case in our county in which a former elected official has been accused of a crime of this nature. We elect leaders with the expectation that they will serve, protect and advocate for our children, families and communities and not harm them in anyway. The charges contained in the indictment are serious, and we will continue to work with law enforcement to investigate and follow any new leads that may be uncovered. It is important to note that the defendant is presumed innocent and my office will continue to focus on achieving justice for the victims in this case,” State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said in a statement.

When city officials were made aware of the former mayor's arrest and the charges filed against him, they issued the following statement:

"We are shocked and disturbed by the news; what has come to light in this investigation is a total surprise to us. The city knows that this news is distressing and difficult for our community, and we encourage our residents to seek any help they feel necessary to work through this trying time. This is an ongoing and active investigation. The city will respect the process of this investigation and will cooperate fully with requests for information," the city said.

In his resignation letter also posted on the city’s website, Wojahn wrote it has been a “profound honor and privilege” to serve the city. He shared that a search warrant had been executed on his residence and that he has cooperated fully with law enforcement.

“While this investigation does not involve any official city business of any kind, it is in the best interests of our community that I step aside and not serve as a distraction,” he said. “Many of you have already reached out with well wishes and thoughts, and I am eternally grateful. I am stepping away to deal with my own mental health. I ask that you continue to keep me and my family in your prayers.”