Colorado Man Convicted in 2022 Kidnapping of Bloomberg Employee

A Colorado man who was arrested at a Cheyenne motel in February 2022 after allegedly kidnapping a woman at gunpoint from Michael Bloomberg’s ranch has been found guilty, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Wyoming (USAO-WY) announced Thursday.

A federal jury in Cheyenne on Wednesday convicted 51-year-old Craig resident Joseph Beecher of kidnapping, carjacking, using/carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and transportation of stolen firearms.

According to evidence presented at trial, the case started in the early morning hours of Feb. 2, 2022, when Beecher, who lived and worked at an apartment complex in Craig, was informed by his employer that his services were no longer needed.

"Beecher broke into his employer’s home and stole two firearms, including a Bushmaster AR-style rifle," the USAO-WY said in a press release.

Beecher then reportedly drove to Bloomberg's ranch near Meeker, intent on killing him, but found only 46-year-old employee Amanda Edinger on the property.

"Beecher took the woman hostage at gunpoint and forced her to drive him to various locations in an effort to locate and kill another media mogul in Colorado," the USAO-WY said.

"Unable to find his second target, Beecher eventually forced the woman at gunpoint to drive him to the Stage Coach Motel in Cheyenne, where Beecher could rest and figure out his next criminal act," the USAO-WY added.

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Beecher was arrested and Edinger was rescued in the early morning hours of Feb. 3, 2022, after investigators determined the two were in a room at the motel.

RELATED: WATCH: Cheyenne Police Arrest Alleged Kidnapper, Rescue Victim

Beecher was indicted on March 17, 2022, and pleaded not guilty on March 21, 2022.

He's scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 18, 2024, and is facing seven years to life in federal prison.