Former Arizona police officer sentenced for possessing child sexual abuse material

PHOENIX — A former Arizona police officer has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material officials announced Thursday.

Samuel Joseph Weimer, 46, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography, according to the United State’s Attorney Office for the District of Arizona. His sentence includes 20 years of supervised release after his prison term.

Weimer was employed as a police officer with the Show Low Police Department at the time of the crime.

“Police officers swear to an oath to uphold the law and protect our citizens,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said in the announcement. “This makes Mr. Weimer’s possession of child pornography even more appalling. Child pornographer humiliates and degrades our most vulnerable members of society and will never be tolerated.”

Why was the former Arizona police officer sentenced?

The U.S. attorney’s office said that between August and November 2022, Weimer used a social media chat room to contact who he believed was a Pennsylvania father willing to provide his 11-year-old daughter for sex.

Weimer reportedly sent two images as well as a video of child sexual abuse material to that same individual.

During an interview with law enforcement, Weimer admitted to both possessing and sending the abusive material.

This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The investigation for this case was done by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office.

“The conduct of this former police officer was beyond shocking and a gross betrayal of public trust,” FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said.

“When someone in a position of authority commits such a revolting crime, the damage extends beyond the youthful victims — it shakes the very foundation of our communities’ trust. No matter their badge or title, The FBI will always aggressively pursue cases like this one.”

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