A former New Mexico State Police officer, Sammy Clouthier, has been sentenced to 85 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.
Court documents reveal that between December 30, 2023, and March 25, 2024, Clouthier knowingly possessed child pornography involving a prepubescent minor while serving as a sergeant with the New Mexico State Police. In addition to his prison sentence, Clouthier has been ordered to pay over $52,000 in restitution to the victims.
Following his release from prison, Clouthier will undergo five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. The case was investigated by the Albuquerque Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force of the Federal Bureau Investigation and the New Mexico State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting this case under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This program aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN with principles such as fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that work to prevent violence.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.