The mayor of College Park, Maryland, was arrested and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography prior to resigning from his position on Wednesday.
According to a news release from Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), a criminal investigation began on Feb. 17 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted local authorities that a social media account distributing child pornography appeared to be operating in Prince George’s County.
PGPD investigators were able to discover who was running the social media account – Maryland Mayor Patrick Wojhan.
Authorities were then able to execute a search warrant on Tuesday at Wojahn’s home after images and videos were posted on the account. They were able to recover multiple cell phones, a storage device, a tablet and a computer.
He was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with 40 counts of possession of child exploitative material and 16 counts of distribution of child exploitative material.
Wojahn has served as mayor of the city including the University of Maryland since 2015 and was previously on the council since 2007. He made history as the first openly gay man to become mayor.
In a resignation letter, he wrote that he has fully cooperated with authorities on the matter, saying it was in his own best interest to step away from his position and not serve as a distraction to the community.
“Many of you have already reached out with well wishes and thoughts, and I am eternally grateful. I am stepping away to deal with my own mental health,” he wrote. “I ask that you continue to keep me and my family in your prayers.”
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