Samuel Joseph Weimer, a former police officer from Show Low, Arizona, has been sentenced to 42 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down on June 24, 2025, by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa after Weimer pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.
Weimer’s offenses occurred between August and November 2022 when he used a social media chat room to contact an individual he thought was a father willing to offer his 11-year-old daughter for sexual activities. During this period, Weimer sent two images and one video containing child pornography. He later admitted to these actions during an interview with law enforcement officials. At the time of the offense, Weimer was serving as a police officer with the Show Low Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine remarked on the case: “Police officers swear an oath to uphold the law and protect our citizens,” adding that Weimer’s actions were “even more appalling” due to his position. He further stated 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 commented on the impact of Weimer’s conduct: “The conduct of this former police officer was beyond shocking and a gross betrayal of public trust.” Janke emphasized that such crimes undermine community trust and affirmed that “the FBI will always aggressively pursue cases like this one.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources for apprehending offenders and rescuing victims.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, while prosecution responsibilities were handled by the United States Attorney’s Office in Phoenix.
For additional details about Project Safe Childhood or related efforts, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
