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Former SCSO detective sentenced to 6 years for child porn charges
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Editor’s note: This article contains sensitive information that may not be suitable for all readers.
BERNALILLO — A former Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office detective was sentenced to six years in prison for child porn possession and creation in the 13th Judicial District Court of Sandoval County.
Robert Strand, 42, pleaded no contest to three counts of second degree manufacturing visual medium of sexual exploitation of children in 2022.
New Mexico Department of Justice attorney Jennifyr Vickery and Defense Attorney Kelly Golightley each had a chance to argue to sway the judge’s sentencing during a Sept. 4 hearing. Vickery asked for the maximum of 15 1/2 years, and Golightley asked for a lighter sentence but more focus on treatment for Strand.
Vickery, with the help of her colleagues from the DOJ, presented 11 video and letter testimonies from victims portrayed in the porn. She said there were 15 identified victims but that the investigation turned up 3,306 images and videos on Strand’s devices, implying that more victims exist.
Golightley later argued that some of the victims in those files were repeats, clarifying that there are not 3,306 victims. The files consisted of doctored images created by Strand that showed him in the nude with young children around him, also unclothed. The children were identified as real people but were first victimized by previous offenders. Strand used those pre-created images to make his own.
Vickery cited the number of files and their nature when asking for the maximum sentence. She argued that the victims were all under 13 years old. It was later noted that some of the victims were 4 years old or younger at the time of the exploitation.
The court heard from one victim, now grown, that said she was first abused by her father and felt re-victimized every time images and video of her are looked at or shared.
“I am the victim of the worst kind of crime,” she said.
She described the grief, pain, fear and paranoia she feels on a day-to-day basis for herself and her children. “It feels like I am being raped all over again,” she said.
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Another victim wrote in a letter read by the DOJ that they just want to “be a normal teenager again.”
“These images will live on the internet longer than I will live,” the DOJ read.
Other letters came from parents of victims that are too young to speak for themselves. One parent wrote that they fear the day they have to inform their child that this happened to them.
“She was a child. She played with dolls and Legos,” another wrote.
Another parent relayed a comment from her child: “Don’t let them pretend that no one is getting hurt.”
There were also several common themes among the dozens of testimonials. Victims stated they have been harassed in public by people who have recognized them from images posted online. Others state they have been through severe mental struggle because of their victimization. Some describe fear for their children and loved ones because of what they went through.
Vickery told the court that Strand’s evaluation uncovered he had been performing similar acts for nine-plus years and there were signs that Strand was escalating.
Golightley recognized that Strand had committed the crimes and admitted to it himself. She showed concern that if Strand were to do the maximum 15 1/2 years, he would get no real treatment and would commit similar acts again.
She read two letters from family members of Strand that described him as a “war hero” and a nice guy.
“He has a heart of gold,” Golightley read.
The family said they don’t want Strand removed from their lives.
She said that Strand, as former military and law enforcement, has been subject to the extreme stressors of those careers. She added that his mental health would suffer if he were to be incarcerated for an extended period of time.
Golightley also claimed that Strand has faced public humiliation in the Sandoval County court where he used to testify as law enforcement and often has to see his former colleagues when he enters the courthouse.
She added that Strand freely admits to his wrongdoings without minimizing his behavior. She said she believes based on the evaluation that he won’t commit similar acts, contrary to what the state said, and that the evaluation proves he is low risk or that his tendencies will be reduced with treatment.
Strand also spoke and asked for forgiveness.
“I am sorry for everything I have done,” he said.
Vickery responded that Strand would be sent to Otero County Detention Center, which provides treatment. She added that she doesn’t deny the stressful environment of law enforcement and military but that because Strand had experienced both, he “should be held to a higher standard.”
Judge Christopher Perez agreed that Strand needs to be held to that standard but also agreed that prolonged incarceration won’t help his case.
“These are not victimless crimes,” he said. “You pledged to protect kids, not victimize them.”
However, Perez expressed concern that if Strand serves the maximum that when he’s released without having had proper treatment that he will offend again.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez issued a statement Sept. 5 about the sentencing saying the victims have been “haunted” by the images. “It is unforgivable that these crimes were perpetrated by a law enforcement officer who had sworn to protect our communities – especially our children. Our office will not stop fighting until every one of these predators is brought to justice and every child is protected from this kind of exploitation.”
Strand will receive treatment both in and out of prison. He will also have to register as a child sex offender. Perez granted the defense’s request to let Strand spend time with his family before he turns himself in for imprisonment next week.
