Breaking - Man sentenced to 48 years

A Bedford County man faces 48 years in prison following his conviction and sentencing by a jury in Bedford County Circuit Court this week.

Michael Nicholas Bowdon, 20, stood trial Tuesday, charged with unlawfully detaining Kelli Beamer, also 20, choking her with his hands and raping her. The incident occurred at his father's home on Feb. 22.

According to court testimony, the two had a relationship for several years. Beamer testified that it had been sexual since they were 16. The sex occurred at either Bowdon's father's house or at Beamer's parents' house.

If you subscribe to the newspaper, you receive FREE access to all the exclusive content of the web site! Simply register to receive uninterrupted access to our award-winning and in-depth local online content!

Renew Current or Past Subscription / Register for Online Subscription

If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Bedford Bulletin, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.

Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.

Newspaper Acct. ID:
Street Address:	(exactly as it appears on the label)

If you are a subscriber and you do not know your account ID or don't have a copy of your newspaper available that shows the information on the address label you can click continue below to search for your account.

New Subscription/30 Day Free Trial Account

If you are new to the award winning Bedford Bulletin and wish to get a subscription or simply gain access to our online content then please enter your ZIP code below and continue to setup your account.

ZIP Code:

Create a limited access account.
Register to participate in community forums, post on the community calendar, blog etc. This registration does not give you full access to read our award winning content, etc.

The Bedford Bulletin | circulation@bedfordbulletin.com | 540-586-8612
P.O. Box 331, 233 W Depot St. Bedford, VA 24523
Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday