One count dropped, nine remain in Beeson case

Logan Dailey
Posted 10/7/20

Caleb Beeson, a former correctional officer with the Wyoming Department of Corrections

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One count dropped, nine remain in Beeson case

Posted

TORRINGTON – Caleb Beeson, a former correctional officer with the Wyoming Department of Corrections, appeared before the Eighth Judicial District Court on Wednesday for arraignment. Judge Patrick Korrell told Beeson Count IX was dismissed, but the state will continue to try the remaining counts. The dismissed count alleged Beeson of having committed blackmail per Wyoming law. Beeson appeared with his public defender, Denny Harts, and pleaded not guilty in his case  to the remaining counts before the court. 

According to information filed with the court, the state alleges Beeson committed nine criminal counts: two counts of stalking, three counts of strangulation, three counts of domestic battery and one count of falsely reporting a crime. If convicted, Beeson could face up to 60 years in prison and $4,500+ in fines and costs. 

The Affidavit of Probable Cause submitted by Task Force Officer Steven Rostad of the Torrington Police Department accused Beeson of allegedly threatening, controlling, stalking, harassing and physically assaulting multiple victims. The affidavit alleges Beeson used physical force to impede the breathing of multiple victims, as well. 

The affidavit also accuses Beeson of allegedly making a false report to law enforcement about damage done to his pickup. Beeson initially reported someone had broken his pickup’s window, but evidence obtained by the state alleges Beeson had broken the window while transporting a barbecue grill.

Beeson was formerly charged with strangulation and first-offense domestic battery from an incident occurring Jan. 25, 2019. That case was dismissed without prejudice on July 22, 2019.

At the Sept. 29 hearing, Harts asked Korrell to allow the court to consider a change to Beeson’s bond. Harts argued on Beeson’s behalf and requested Korrell reduce Beeson’s bond to $20,000. Korrell heard arguments from both Sandburg and Harts.
Sandburg informed the court of several allegations made against Beeson by alleged victims in the case. Sandburg told the court Beeson had allegedly made contact with one or more of the victims in the case after having been told not to. He accused Beeson of allegedly continuing to harass, threaten and stalk the alleged victims in the matter. Sandburg also asked the court to consider the severity of the offenses charged against Beeson. 

Harts argued the state had only presented hearsay, rumors and allegations against Beeson and presented no evidence Beeson would not be able to keep from violating his bond’s conditions. 

Judge Korrell told Beeson he has to consider two things when he decides bond amounts: the likelihood the defendant will reappear in court and the community’s safety. Korrell chose to keep the current bond in effect and would not make any changes. Beeson’s bond amount remains at $250,000.