COLLEGE PARK, MD—Former College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn was arrested on Thursday, March 2, 2023 on several child pornography charges, city officials say.
NPR reports that the Prince George’s County Police Department was notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on February 17 that there was a social media account in the county posting child pornography, and police tracked it back to Wojahn, 47, the department said.
Officers carried out a search warrant on Tuesday and recovered a tablet, computer, a storage device and multiple cell phones from Wojahn’s home.
The city of College Park has issued the following statement:
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.
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 on-going and active investigation. The City will respect the process of this investigation and will cooperate fully with requests for information. All related media inquiries about the arrest and charges should be directed to the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Effective immediately, Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell will serve as presiding officer until a Special Election is held and a new Mayor has been sworn in. Per the City Charter, a Special Election must be held within 65 days. The City’s Board of Election Supervisors will convene to schedule the date of the Special Election. Details about the upcoming Special Election, including candidate packets and voting information, will be posted on the City’s website at www.collegeparkmd.gov. The candidate elected as Mayor in the Special Election will serve until the next Mayor is seated following the November 5, 2023 General Election.
