UNIVERSITY PARK, MD - The former mayor of a Maryland town in the Washington, D.C metropolitan area is facing a laundry list of criminal charges related to the possession and promotion of child pornography.
Joel Biermann was arrested at his home on Monday morning, where the FBI executed a search warrant, according to Breitbart. Biermann served as mayor of University Park, Maryland from 2022 to 2024.
According to charging documents in the case, Biermann sorted child pornography files on his personal computer on the basis of the victims' race and ages, as well as identifying them with terms such as "rape," "bondage," and "torture." The former mayor allegedly possessed a massive child porn database that included more than 45,000 images, according to prosecutors.
Authorities accuse the former mayor of directly soliciting child abuse material from an individual outside of the country through Facebook messages, according to prosecutors- going so far as to request that they sexually abuse boys believed to be eleven years old and send him video footage of the acts.
"This is your opportunity to be a real business person," Biermann allegedly stated to the individual in one message, at one point allegedly offering $800 in return for fresh child sexual abuse material.
The FBI allegedly recovered a child-like blow up doll dressed in underwear at Beirmann's personal residence, according to charging documents.
Biermann faces 22 different charges of possession of child pornography- as well as felony charges of promotion and solicitation of child pornography.
Residents of University Park expressed their shock that Biermann was arrested on the charges in interview footage filmed by DC News Now.
"It was very upsetting," one man who identified himself as a mayor of Biermann, speaking about his Monday arrest.
"These are people who had important positions in the community... if what Joel is accused of is true, it's a terrible crime." Biermann had served on the town's council before serving as mayor.
Town Administrator Debi Sandlin expressed her intent to cooperate with law enforcement in the matter, speaking in a statement.
"These are serious charges, and the Town is ready to assist as requested."
Biermann's partner declined to provide detailed comment when questioned by DC News Now. The man stated that he was still processing the allegations and trauma involved in the matter.
Biermann is yet to enter a plea in connection to the charges. A judge has ordered the defendant held without bond in the case. His next court appearance is slated for Nov. 27.
Joel Biermann was arrested at his home on Monday morning, where the FBI executed a search warrant, according to Breitbart. Biermann served as mayor of University Park, Maryland from 2022 to 2024.
According to charging documents in the case, Biermann sorted child pornography files on his personal computer on the basis of the victims' race and ages, as well as identifying them with terms such as "rape," "bondage," and "torture." The former mayor allegedly possessed a massive child porn database that included more than 45,000 images, according to prosecutors.
Authorities accuse the former mayor of directly soliciting child abuse material from an individual outside of the country through Facebook messages, according to prosecutors- going so far as to request that they sexually abuse boys believed to be eleven years old and send him video footage of the acts.
"This is your opportunity to be a real business person," Biermann allegedly stated to the individual in one message, at one point allegedly offering $800 in return for fresh child sexual abuse material.
The FBI allegedly recovered a child-like blow up doll dressed in underwear at Beirmann's personal residence, according to charging documents.
Biermann faces 22 different charges of possession of child pornography- as well as felony charges of promotion and solicitation of child pornography.
Residents of University Park expressed their shock that Biermann was arrested on the charges in interview footage filmed by DC News Now.
"It was very upsetting," one man who identified himself as a mayor of Biermann, speaking about his Monday arrest.
"These are people who had important positions in the community... if what Joel is accused of is true, it's a terrible crime." Biermann had served on the town's council before serving as mayor.
Town Administrator Debi Sandlin expressed her intent to cooperate with law enforcement in the matter, speaking in a statement.
"These are serious charges, and the Town is ready to assist as requested."
Biermann's partner declined to provide detailed comment when questioned by DC News Now. The man stated that he was still processing the allegations and trauma involved in the matter.
Biermann is yet to enter a plea in connection to the charges. A judge has ordered the defendant held without bond in the case. His next court appearance is slated for Nov. 27.
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