A federal grand jury has indicted Joel Thomas Biermann, 46, from University Park, Maryland, on charges related to child exploitation. The indictment includes two counts of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing such material, and one count of possession.
The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
The indictment alleges that between October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2024, Biermann engaged in activities involving sexually explicit conduct with minors and produced visual depictions of this exploitation. Additionally, it claims that he distributed child sexual abuse material on March 13, 2016.
If convicted, Biermann faces significant prison time: a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to a maximum of 30 years for production charges; a mandatory minimum of five years up to a maximum of 20 years for distribution; and up to 20 years for possession. Sentences are typically less than the maximum penalties as determined by a federal district court judge who considers various guidelines and factors.
It is important to note that an indictment is not proof of guilt. Individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. This project brings together resources from federal, state, and local levels to address these crimes effectively.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended both the FBI and PGPD for their investigative efforts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills from the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or resources available through the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office visit www.justice.gov/psc or www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.