College Park mayor arrested on 56 counts of child pornography

The Democratic mayor of College Park in Maryland has been arrested on 56 counts of child pornography after a sting operation linked him to a social media account that spread explicit images of children.

Patrick Wojahn, 47, is in custody after his home was searched on February 28. He resigned last night before he was arrested.

In January, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children notified local police about a social media account disseminating explicit images.

Police linked that account to Wojahn and say he used a VPN to try to hide his identity.

It was linked because he had used his College Park email address as the account recovery email, according to police.

He has been charged with 40 counts of possession of child pornography and 16 counts of distribution of child exploitation material.

Wojahn has served as the mayor of College Park, a city of 35,000, since 2015.

Wojahn lives with her husband, Dave Kolesar. They recently visited the White House to celebrate the Respect Marriage Act in December.

Kolesar has not yet commented.

In his resignation letter, Wojahn said, ‘It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the City of College Park. However, effective immediately, I must resign my position.

‘On February 28, 2023, a search warrant was executed at my residence as part of an ongoing police investigation. I have fully cooperated and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.

“While this investigation does not involve any official business of any kind, it is in the best interest of our community that I step aside and not serve as a distraction.

‘So many of you have already reached out with well wishes and thoughts and I am forever grateful. I am stepping away to deal with my own mental health.

“I ask that you keep me and my family in your prayers.”