Charles Barrett, a well-known professional rock climber and guidebook author, has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted earlier this year of sexual assaults in Yosemite National Park, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In February, Barrett, aged 40, was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact for offenses that transpired in Yosemite National Park in August 2016. His victim, then 19 years old, endured three distinct assaults over the course of a weekend.
Prosecutors emphasized Barrett’s extensive history of violence towards women, including instances of domestic violence, drunk driving, and making criminal threats. Additionally, he was accused of sexually assaulting three other women, although these incidents were not charged due to jurisdictional limitations.
Barrett’s predatory behavior extended beyond the assaults, as he engaged in threats, intimidation, and harassment against his victims, even interfering with their employment opportunities. Despite being convicted, Barrett showed no remorse or regret, continuing to exhibit aggressive and threatening behavior while in custody.
The case against Barrett sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual assault in the rock climbing community, where instances of harassment and abuse are alarmingly common. Organizations like Safe Outside have worked to address these issues, connecting victims and providing support in bringing perpetrators like Barrett to justice.
As Barrett begins his life sentence, his conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and supporting survivors within the climbing community and beyond.