Professional Rock Climber Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Assaults in Yosemite National Park

Professional rock climber Charles Barrett, 40, was sentenced to life in prison last Tuesday after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman multiple times during a weekend trip to Yosemite National Park in 2016.

Barrett was convicted of “two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact” back in February. While he waited for his sentence as an inmate at Sacramento County Jail in California, Barrett made hundreds of phone calls to victims in which "he showed no remorse or regret," according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. 

“Barrett’s long history of sexual violence supports the imposition of a life sentence,” said Talbert. “He used his status as a prominent climber to assault women in the rock-climbing community, and when his victims began to tell, Barrett responded by lashing out publicly with threats and intimidation. This case is a testament to the courage of the victims who reported these crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute violent crimes in National Parks like Yosemite.”

“We are grateful for the tireless work of the National Park Service investigative team and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring this case to justice,” said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message about the consequences of this criminal behavior. It makes Yosemite a safer place for the climbing community, park visitors and our employees.”

Click here to read the full announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.