Charles Barrett, a 40-year-old rock climber convicted of sexual abuse, was sentenced to life in jail Tuesday.
The longtime Yosemite climber had been convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one depend of abusive sexual contact, in response to a information launch. All three incidents occurred at Yosemite Nationwide Park in 2016, mentioned U.S. Lawyer Phillip A. Talbert.
“Barrett’s lengthy historical past of sexual violence helps the imposition of a life sentence,” Talbert mentioned within the information launch. “He used his standing as a outstanding climber to assault ladies within the rock-climbing group, and when his victims started to inform, Barrett responded by lashing out publicly with threats and intimidation. This case is a testomony to the braveness of the victims who reported these crimes.”
Barrett dedicated the crimes in August 2016, when the sufferer was visiting Yosemite for a weekend of climbing, in response to courtroom paperwork. Barrett, who was dwelling and dealing for a non-public enterprise within the park, sexually assaulted her 3 times over the course of the weekend.
Throughout the trial, three different ladies testified that Barrett additionally sexually assaulted them, Talbert mentioned Tuesday. These assaults weren’t included within the expenses in opposition to Barrett as a result of they occurred outdoors federal jurisdiction. Nevertheless, they had been allowed as further proof within the trial.
“It’s time to put a definitive finish to Barrett’s reign of terror,” one in every of his victims mentioned, in response to The Sacramento Bee.
A Lack of Regret
It wasn’t till a number of years after that 2016 weekend that expenses had been filed in opposition to Barrett.
In 2017, he “purposely” climbed on the identical health club as a sufferer he had assaulted in 2000, prosecutors mentioned. That lady disclosed Barrett’s assault on her to the health club proprietor, which resulted in Barrett harassing and threatening her for a number of years. In August 2022, he was convicted for the prison threats he made in January 2022.
That very same month, federal prosecutors charged him with sexual abuse, resulting in a 2-year trial that ended right now with life in jail for Barrett.
Whereas in custody for this case, Barrett made a whole lot of telephone calls, prosecutors mentioned. Throughout these calls, he confirmed “no regret or remorse,” Talbert mentioned within the information launch. As a substitute, Barrett threatened to make use of violence and lawsuits in opposition to the victims, claiming they created a conspiracy to smash his life.
This case was the results of an investigation by the Nationwide Park Service.
“We’re grateful for the tireless work of the Nationwide Park Service investigative workforce and the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace to convey this case to justice,” Yosemite Nationwide Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon mentioned. “At this time’s sentencing sends a transparent message concerning the penalties of this prison conduct. It makes Yosemite a safer place for the climbing group, park guests and our staff.”
Barrett’s sentencing comes days after The New York Occasions reported on accusations of sexual assault by Nims Purja, one of many world’s most well-known mountaineers. The story included different notable examples of sexual misconduct in climbing — together with Barrett.
