Pro Rock Climber Charles Barrett Charged With Yosemite Sexual Assault

ON THE ROPES

Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling

Updated Aug. 31, 2022 5:56PM EDT / Published Aug. 31, 2022 3:35PM EDT

W. BUSS/De Agostini/Getty

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.

Read it at Los Angeles Times

Radio Station Cuts Ties With Host Who Interviewed Biden

The Pennsylvania station blasted the practice of taking questions from the White House—and the White House for providing them.

Wildfire Threatens Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch

The blaze, called the Lake Fire, was 8 percent contained as of Sunday night.

Pope Francis Warns of a ‘Cancer’ Ailing Democracy

“I am concerned about the small number of people who went to vote,” the pontiff said. “Why is it happening?”

Biden Urges Unity in Latest Speech at Philly Church

At a Philadelphia church Sunday, President Joe Biden spoke to a large congregation about his accomplishments and how he views America today.

‘Despicable Me 4’ Tops July 4 Holiday Box Office

“Despicable Me 4” has made $122.6 million since its release, with $75 million of those ticket sales raked in over the holiday weekend.

Brad Pitt Gets Behind the Wheel in First ‘F1’ Trailer

The film’s trailer dropped on Sunday, the day of the British Grand Prix—which Pitt attended with girlfriend Ines de Ramon.

Judy Belushi-Pisano, John Belushi’s Widow, Dies at 73

Judy Belushi-Pisano met her future famous husband in high school in Illinois before they married in 1976, staying together until Belushi’s death in 1982 from a drug overdose.

Democratic Senator: Biden Faces ‘Absolutely Critical’ Week

Murphy told CNN Biden had questions to answer. “If he can’t do that, then he’s going to have to make a decision about what’s best for the country—and what’s best for the party.”

Pro Rock Climber Charles Barrett Charged With Yosemite Sexual Assault

Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling

W. BUSS/De Agostini/Getty