College Park, MD, March 7, 2023 - This has been a very challenging and heartbreaking last few days for the City of College Park community, City Council, and our City employees. As this is an on-going and active investigation, I will keep my comments brief. The allegations against the former Mayor are abhorrent and disturbing. Any crime involving a child is heartbreaking. We can’t imagine what the victims and their families must be facing. We thank the Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in this investigation, for their vigilance, and for their dedicated service and sacrifice for our residents each and every day.
The news has shocked our community, but we must remain strong and persevere through this difficult time. As we grapple with the news, we must ensure that the City government continues to work uninterrupted for our community. Tonight, the Council will consider the date for a Special Election to elect a new Mayor to serve until the General Election in the fall.
College Park is a strong and supportive community. We have encouraged staff to seek mental health support through the City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and we continue to encourage our residents to seek the support or care they need to cope during this distressing time.
The City has several ways for our residents to get the help they need at this time. For residents seeking mental health support, the City offers up to $5,000 per household in approved mental health expenses either through reimbursement or paid directly to a mental health provider. In addition, the City’s Department of Youth, Family Services and Senior Services offers emergency counseling resources for our youngest residents and their families, and the Seniors Program offers support for our senior population. More information is available on our website.
We are One College Park, and together, we will get through these challenges.