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HomeLocalEx-Mayor of University Park, Maryland, Joel Biermann Charged with Child Pornography Offenses

Ex-Mayor of University Park, Maryland, Joel Biermann Charged with Child Pornography Offenses

 

Joel Biermann, Former Mayor of University Park, Maryland, Arrested on Child Pornography Charges


Law enforcement discovered tens of thousands of files at his residence, as reported by WTOP News.

The ex-mayor of a Maryland town is facing nearly 30 charges linked to child pornography and materials related to child sexual abuse.

 

Joel Biermann, 46, has been charged with 22 counts of possessing child sexual abuse images, in addition to six other felony charges associated with solicitation. He appeared for the first time in the Prince George’s County District Court on Tuesday.

Biermann served as mayor of University Park, Maryland from 2022 until June 2024 and was on the town council from June 2020 to June 2022. University Park is part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, commonly referred to as the DMV.

According to court records in Maryland, Biermann is expected to have a formal bond hearing on Wednesday afternoon.

Officials from the town informed YSL News that the police had been alerted about the FBI executing a search warrant at Biermann’s home on Monday.

 

“He is no longer in a position with the Town. He is a private citizen, and the Town does not engage with him and cannot speak on his actions. These are grave accusations, and the Town is prepared to assist as needed,” said the statement.

A Disturbing Discovery by Law Enforcement

As per the documents acquired by WTOP News, investigators uncovered numerous electronic devices laden with tens of thousands of files containing abusive content. Some file names even indicated the victim’s race and age.

 

The youngest victim noted was only 2 years old. Several files carried labels like “rape,” while others referenced torture and bondage. Charging documents reported that these files depicted nude children, many prepubescent, being sexually assaulted and raped by adults.

Additionally, a pair of boys’ underwear and a blow-up doll resembling a child were discovered in his office based on the charges.

 

In 2021, Biermann reportedly reached out to an unidentified user on Facebook, requesting explicit images of at least two young boys. Allegations suggest he asked for victims to pose in thongs and requested naked images of children.

According to the documents, Biermann told the Facebook user, “this is your chance to act like a real business person.” His Facebook account contained around 4,500 messages exchanged with this unknown individual, who resides outside the United States, from 2021 to 2023.

Investigators uncovered that Biermann allegedly transferred over $800 to the unidentified user between January and March 2024.

YSL News was unable to find an attorney representing Biermann immediately.