ON THE ROPES

Pro Rock Climber Charles Barrett Charged With Yosemite Sexual Assault

Charles Barrett has written several guidebooks for climbing in the state park where the alleged assaults took place.

Professional sport climber Charles Barrett was arrested Monday morning on allegations of aggravated sexual assault, according to the Department of Justice. Barrett, 38, is charged with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact against an unidentified individual at Yosemite National Park in August 2016 following an investigation by the park, according to the indictment. If found guilty, Barrett could face life in prison. Barrett was arrested by the U.S. Forest Service at the Mono County Courthouse in Bridgeport, California. According to the Los Angeles Times, the California native pioneered extremely difficult bouldering routes in the state, and has written several guidebooks on climbing in Yosemite.