Samuel Joseph Weimer, a former police officer from Show Low, Arizona, was sentenced to 42 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa on June 24, 2025. Weimer had previously pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.
The offenses occurred between August and November 2022 when Weimer used a social media chat room to contact an individual he believed to be a father in Pennsylvania willing to provide his daughter for sex. During this period, Weimer sent two images and one video of child pornography. He admitted to possessing and distributing these files during an interview with law enforcement. At the time of these actions, Weimer was employed as a police officer with the Show Low Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine commented on the case stating, “Police officers swear an oath to uphold the law and protect our citizens,” adding that Weimer's actions were particularly appalling given his position. Courchaine emphasized that "child pornography humiliates and degrades our most vulnerable members of society and will never be tolerated."
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke also remarked on the severity of the offense: "The conduct of this former police officer was beyond shocking and a gross betrayal of public trust." Janke noted that such crimes committed by individuals in authority undermine community trust.
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. The project involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office while prosecution responsibilities were handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or related efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, visit their official website or follow them on Twitter @USAO_AZ.
