Matthew Beck | Bonneville County Jail
Pattern of Alleged Abuse Spanning Over a Decade
A 41-year-old Rigby man, Matthew Beck, has faced repeated accusations of violent behavior against women for more than a decade. Since early 2023, authorities have filed six separate cases involving allegations such as attempted strangulation, aggravated battery, and violations of no-contact orders. In some instances, charges were dropped due to a lack of victim cooperation.
Law Enforcement Response and Victim Reluctance
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed multiple interactions with Beck, including arrests for violating court orders. Officials noted that some victims either declined to testify or withdrew complaints, complicating prosecution efforts.
Deaths on Property Raise Concerns
Three individuals have died on Beck’s property in recent years. These include:
- A friend who reportedly died of an overdose.
- Heather Arehart, whose body was found in a shed in May 2021. Her death was ruled an overdose with no foul play suspected.
- Brook Thieman, found deceased in July 2024 inside a burned motor home. Her death is being investigated as a homicide, but no suspects have been identified.
Authorities have not linked Beck to any of these deaths through formal charges.
Case Summaries
2011 Assault and Weapon Discharge
Beck was accused of attempting to strangle a woman and firing a rifle near her head during an altercation. He claimed self-defense and said the shot was a military tactic intended to de-escalate. Charges were later dismissed.
March 2024 Aggravated Battery
A woman alleged Beck attacked her at her residence, stomping on her head. Beck said she initiated violence and tried to stab him. He faces felony aggravated battery charges, with trial proceedings scheduled for July 2025.
August 2024 Hotel Room Assault
A woman sustained a wrist injury and bruising after allegedly being assaulted and strangled by Beck in a hotel. Charges were filed but later dismissed due to a lack of probable cause.
January 2025 Protection Order Violation
The woman involved in the March 2024 incident reported Beck had sent her an image of puppies in a cage, which she interpreted as a threat to her therapy dog. Beck was charged with violating a protection order and is scheduled for trial in July.
March 2025 Interstate Incident
A trooper stopped Beck’s vehicle after a witness reported seeing a man strike a woman. The woman initially denied violence but later said Beck choked her. Beck was charged with attempted strangulation and firearm possession while under a protection order.
March 2025 Auto Store Confrontation
At a Rigby auto parts store, Beck allegedly restrained a female employee by the wrists. The employee initially declined to press charges but later reported further contact from Beck and pursued legal action. He was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery.
Beck’s Response
Beck denies all allegations of unprovoked violence, asserting he acted only in self-defense. He also denies any involvement in the deaths on his property. He claims that his actions have been misunderstood and attributes some of the conflicts to substance abuse by others or to efforts to protect himself.
He has publicly stated that he is undergoing treatment through Veterans Affairs for PTSD, grief, and anger management stemming from his military service.
Legal Proceedings Ongoing
Beck has pleaded not guilty to all current charges. Multiple court dates are set throughout the coming months. Legal representatives and prosecutors have not provided public statements.
If You Need Help
For those experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or visit their website for confidential support and resources.
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