Tennessee rape suspect spotted in Corbin

Stephen Eugene Beck

A Tennessee fugitive, accused of raping and sexually exploiting a child has been spotted in Corbin, and local police are asking the public to assist with information that could lead to his apprehension.

According to Corbin Police Public Affairs Officer Rob Jones, Stephen Eugene Beck, 40, was spotted in the south Corbin area near Baptist Health Corbin on Tuesday. He is listed as one of Tennessee’s “most wanted” fugitives by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Beck was indicted in Wilson County, Tenn. in Aug. of 2010 with nine counts of raping a child, 16 counts of rape and 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was also indicted in Rutherford County, Tenn. at the same time on three counts of raping a child.

Beck was released on bond in both counties and was supposed to report to the Criminal Court of Wilson County to enter a plea agreement or to set a trial date on July 25, 2011, but failed to appear.

Corbin Police received calls that a suspect matching Beck’s description was seen around Baptist Health Tuesday. He was last seen driving a blue 2005 Chevrolet Silverado license plate 0260AL. Beck is 5-11, weighs approximately 240 lbs. and has Hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He also has a tattoo on his left shoulder of a heart with the name “April” across it.

A $1,000 reward is being offered to anyone that provides information leading to Beck’s arrest.

Anyone with information should contact the Corbin Police Department at 606-528-1122.