College Park Mayor Charged With 56 Counts Of Child Porn Possession, Distribution: Police

COLLEGE PARK, MD — The mayor of College Park, Patrick Wojahn, has resigned after he was arrested and charged with dozens of counts of possession and distribution of child pornography.

On Feb. 17, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified the Prince George's County Police Department that a social media account linked to a county resident possessed and distributed suspected child pornography. The image and videos had been uploaded to the social media account in January 2023. PGPD investigators discovered the social media account belonged to the 47-year-old Wojahn.

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 Thursday morning and has been charged with 40 counts of possession of child exploitative material and 16 counts of distribution of child exploitative material.

City officials were made aware Thursday morning of the former mayor's arrest and the charges filed against him.

"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 a statement.

Wojahn announced his resignation from the mayor's office Wednesday night. He had been mayor of College Park since 2015 and served on the council since 2007. Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell will lead the council until a new mayor is sworn in, which must be done within 65 days.

“Last night, after business hours, Mayor Patrick L. Wojahn submitted his letter of resignation as mayor of the city of College Park, effective immediately on March 2. Mayor Wojahn has served in this position since 2015 and on Council since 2007. The city of College Park thanks Mayor Wojahn for his many years of dedicated service,” a statement posted on the city's website 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.”

If anyone has information relevant to this investigation, they are asked to call detectives at (301) 772-4930. Callers wanting to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto a mobile device.) Refer to case number 23-0009239.