The 47-year-old mayor of College Park, Maryland, has been arrested for possessing child pornography, Fox 5 reported.
Mayor Patrick Wojahn was arrested by Prince George’s County police on Thursday and was charged with 40 counts of possession of child exploitative material and 16 counts of distributing child exploitative material.
In a letter of resignation this Wednesday, Wojahn, who is a Democrat, stated he will “cooperate with law enforcement” and doesn’t want the investigation to interfere with the work of government.
“On February 28, 2023, a search warrant was executed on my residence as part of an ongoing police investigation. I have cooperated fully, and will continue to cooperate, with law enforcement,” Wojahn wrote. “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.”
Just two mayors, grabbing a beer together. #MayorPete pic.twitter.com/yAke5bmavN
— Patrick Wojahn (@patrick_wojahn) July 11, 2019
In a statement posted to the College Park website on Thursday, the city thanked Wojahn for his “many years of dedicated service.”
“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,” the city statement read. “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.”
College Park has appointed Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell to step in until a special election is held to replace Wojahn.
