Former University Park Mayor Faces Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
UNIVERSITY PARK, Md. — A former mayor from University Park has been charged with 28 offenses associated with child sexual abuse material after a search of his residence took place on Monday, as reported by local news outlets.
Investigations conducted by state and federal authorities reportedly began while Joel Biermann, aged 46, was still in office as the mayor of the small town in Prince George’s County. His term ended when his successor assumed office in June following the recent town elections.
The charges against Biermann allege that he engaged in inappropriate communications via Facebook. He is said to have solicited sexually explicit material involving underage boys during the period from January 2021 to December 2023, as indicated in the official charging documents.
As of Wednesday, Biermann has been ordered to remain in custody without the possibility of bail at the Prince George’s County Detention Center. Court records confirm that he is currently being represented by a public defender. An inquiry for comments was sent to the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.
It is noteworthy that a former mayor from College Park, a nearby locality, pleaded guilty last year to over 100 counts related to both the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, highlighting ongoing concerns within the region.
