A prominent California rock climber, Charles Barrett, was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in Yosemite National Park in 2016.
A jury found Barrett, 38, guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact.
He faces up to life in prison at his sentencing in May.
It was a good day for sexual assault survivors. Charles Barrett, a pro climber I’ve been writing about for @outsidemagazine was found guilty on all charges. https://t.co/jKvGAlDHTD
— Annette McGivney (@AnnetteMcGivney) February 14, 2024
While Barrett was only charged in this one case, three other women testified that he also victimized them.
As a famous climber, prosecutors argued Barrett used his renown to lure victims while he lived and worked in Yosemite.
U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert wrote in a statement, “This defendant used his renown and physical presence as a rock climber to lure and intimidate victims who were part of the rock-climbing community.”
“His violent sexual assaults were devastating to the victims, whom he later threatened in the lead-up to trial,” the statement continued.
His attorneys say they do not believe the evidence supported the guilty verdict but will appeal, believing Barrett can be vindicated.
Barrett’s attorneys, Timothy Hennessy and David Torres, wrote, “Mr. Barrett knew going into this that it would be a long fight to clear his name. But it is a fight he will not give up.”
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