A former police officer from Show Low has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after admitting to possessing and distributing child pornography. The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona, stems from a 2022 investigation into disturbing online activity.
Samuel Joseph Weimer, 46, pleaded guilty earlier this year. According to court records, between August and November 2022, Weimer used a social media chat room to send two images and one video of child sexual abuse material to someone he believed was a Pennsylvania father offering access to his 11-year-old daughter. In interviews with investigators, Weimer admitted to both possessing and sending the files.
At the time, Weimer was employed by the Show Low Police Department. His role in law enforcement added to the severity of the case in the eyes of federal officials.
“This makes Mr. Weimer’s possession of child pornography even more appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine, calling it a betrayal of public trust.
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said Weimer’s conduct was “beyond shocking” and emphasized the broader damage such crimes cause to public confidence in law enforcement.
The sentence also includes 20 years of supervised release following the prison term, along with strict registration and monitoring conditions.
The investigation was part of Project Safe Childhood, a national Department of Justice initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office led the investigation.
