Joel Biermann, 46, the former mayor of University Park, Maryland, has been arrested and charged with nearly 30 criminal offenses related to child sexual abuse material, according to law enforcement sources.
The FBI executed a search warrant at Biermann’s home on Monday, resulting in his arrest. During a Prince George’s County District Court hearing on Wednesday, a judge ordered Biermann be held without bond, citing the severity of the allegations.
Court records indicate Biermann is facing 22 misdemeanor charges of child pornography possession and six additional felony solicitation-related charges. The majority of the charges are dated October 2024, with some solicitation charges dating back to 2021 and 2023.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy described the allegations as “repugnant and extremely disturbing,” emphasizing that the actions were committed online. The judge acknowledged the “stark and startling” nature of the charges during the hearing.
Biermann’s political history with the town includes serving on the Town Council from June 2020 to June 2022 and as mayor from June 2022 until June 2024. At the time of his arrest, he no longer holds any official position.
The University Park Police Department stated they were notified by the FBI about the search warrant but were not directly involved in the arrest. Town officials have expressed their willingness to assist in the investigation as needed.
University Park, a small town located between College Park and Hyattsville in northwestern Prince George’s County, is processing these serious allegations against its former mayor.
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