Professional Rock Climber Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2016 Sexual Assault in Yosemite National Park

A professional rock climber was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison for the 2016 sexual assault of a woman at Yosemite National Park, federal prosecutors announced.

Conviction and Charges

Charles Barrett, 40, was convicted on two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact, according to a statement from Phillip A. Talbert, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California.

Barrett was living and working at the national park when a woman visited in August 2016 for a weekend of hiking. During her visit, Barrett sexually assaulted her three times, court records and trial evidence revealed.

Additional Testimonies and History of Abuse

Three other women testified at Barrett’s trial, stating that he also sexually assaulted them, prosecutors said. Although Barrett was not charged for these assaults, as they occurred outside the jurisdiction of federal prosecutors, the women's testimonies were admitted as relevant evidence to the charges Barrett faced.

“Barrett’s long history of sexual violence supports the imposition of a life sentence,” Talbert said. “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.”

Defense and Appeal

Attorneys listed as representing Barrett could not immediately be reached for comment by NBC News on Tuesday afternoon. However, Timothy P. Hennessy, one of Barrett's attorneys, argued that a life sentence was not appropriate, citing Barrett's mental health illness, as reported by the San Luis Obispo Tribune. Another attorney, David Torres, indicated plans to appeal the case.

Intimidation and Harassment

Barrett has a history of intimidating his victims, according to prosecutors. In 2017, seven years after allegedly assaulting one of the women who testified against him, Barrett intentionally climbed at a rock-climbing gym the woman frequented. She disclosed Barrett’s sexual assault to the gym owner to protect other women. Barrett subsequently harassed her for years. In August 2022, he was convicted for criminal threats made earlier that year.

While in custody for his latest case, prosecutors said, Barrett made hundreds of phone calls and threatened to use violence and retributive lawsuits against his accusers.

Sentencing and Community Response

During the sentencing hearing, the judge considered Barrett’s long history of intimidation and threats towards his victims. Despite his defense team's argument about his mental health issues, the judge emphasized the need to protect the community from further harm. The life sentence was handed down as a measure to ensure that Barrett would not be able to continue his pattern of abuse and intimidation.

The case has drawn significant attention from the rock-climbing community and beyond. Many within the community have expressed their relief at the conviction and hope that it will encourage other victims of sexual assault to come forward. The courage of the women who testified against Barrett has been widely praised, highlighting the importance of supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Long-Term Impact

Charles Barrett's sentencing to life in prison reflects the severity of his crimes and the impact on his victims. The case underscores the importance of reporting and addressing sexual violence, particularly in close-knit communities such as the rock-climbing world. The courage of the victims who came forward played a crucial role in securing justice and highlighting the need for continued vigilance and support for survivors of sexual assault.

This case also serves as a reminder of the critical role that community awareness and support play in preventing and responding to sexual violence. By standing together and speaking out, communities can help to create a safer environment for everyone. The sentencing of Charles Barrett marks a significant step towards justice for his victims and a strong message against the perpetuation of sexual violence.