Democrat mayor of College Park arrested on 56 counts of child pornography

The mayor of College Park, Maryland, resigned after he was arrested on 56 counts of child pornography, authorities said on Thursday. 

Patrick Wojahn, known for affiliating with the Democratic Party on environmental and social justice issues, was found to possess and distribute child pornography, Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz said during a news conference held with Jessica Garth, a representative from the State’s Attorney’s Office. 

According to authorities, Wojahn used an anonymous account to upload illegal content to the mobile messaging app Kik. Police were eventually able to trace the account to the former mayor. 

Police carried out a search warrant on his home, finding multiple cell phones, a tablet, a computer, and a storage device with child-exploitative material. 

“Mayor Patrick L. Wojahn submitted his letter of resignation as Mayor of the City of College Park, effective immediately on March 2,” said a news release from the city.

“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,” it added. 

“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 in his resignation letter. 

Wojahn is currently being held at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections until it is determined whether he will be released on pre-trial or will be held.

“If he is not released, he will see a judge. That hearing will most likely be tomorrow,” Garth added.

Wojahn’s attorney said he was “cooperating fully with law enforcement.” 

“While too early to comment on the allegations, we will continue to cooperate as the process unfolds,” the email from his lawyer said.