A Meeker woman is safe after allegedly being kidnapped at gunpoint from the ranch where she worked in Rio Blanco County on Feb. 2, 2022. She was located by law enforcement in a Cheyenne hotel in the early morning hours of Feb. 3, 2022.
The allegations are Amanda Edinger was contacted by suspect Joseph Beecher, (DOB: 02/12/1973) of Craig, Colorado, at the Bloomberg Ranch where Edinger works as a member of the staff, in the morning hours of Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. It’s alleged that after kidnapping her at gunpoint, Beecher forced Edinger to leave the property in her vehicle (2016 Maroon Ford F150 truck) just before noon.
The Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office was called to the area initially on a vehicle crash, but that transitioned to a trespass, then a kidnapping as information was gathered by deputies in a short time. The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office worked with local, state and federal authorities for assistance on this comprehensive investigation as it developed throughout Tuesday. Additionally, a statewide Endangered Missing Alert for Edinger was issued during the course of the investigation.
It was learned Beecher allegedly took Edinger to the Denver metro area for several stops, then onto Wyoming later in the evening. Investigative work by local, state and federal authorities determined Beecher had Edinger in the Stagecoach Motel (1515 W. Lincoln) in Cheyenne. Members of the Cheyenne Police Department’s SWAT Team arrested Beecher without incident at the hotel. The Cheyenne Police Department will release details about the arrest.
Edinger has since been reunited with her family.
Beecher was taken to the Laramie County jail in Wyoming, and faces multiple state charges including kidnapping, felony menacing and others, along with charges out of Wyoming. He is being held without bail. Beecher’s mugshot will be released as soon as it’s available.
Beecher was in possession of multiple firearms at the time of his arrest. The circumstances of why Beecher traveled to the ranch are under investigation. Edinger has no connection to the suspect, as they are unknown to one another.
The Bloomberg family out of New York owns the ranch in Rio Blanco County. The Bloombergs were not at the ranch at the time of the kidnapping. They are aware of the incident and are cooperating with police. Beecher has no connection with the Bloomberg family.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Wyoming law enforcement, the F.B.I. and other individuals for their swift and heroic action in this case in ensuring that no lives were lost and that the victim has been rescued and safely returned to her family, said Ty Trippet, spokesman for Michael Bloomberg
“I am so proud of my staff and the ability they have in working together and with State and Federal agencies. This team approach, quick action, experienced deputies and officers, led to Amanda’s safe recovery. It was a great day for Amanda and law enforcement,” said Rio Blanco County Sheriff Anthony Mazzola.
This is an extremely fluid investigation. Additional details outside of this news release are not available at this time.
Any person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PRESS RELEASE | Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
