El Capitan in Yosemite National Park
Sierra Sun Times file photo

Noon Update: A National Park Service spokesperson in a message clarified Mr. Nathan Baptista was Not a National Park Service or Yosemite National Park employee.

June 21, 2024 - FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment on Thursday against Nathan Baptista, 36, charging him with aggravated sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. 

According to court documents, on May 31, 2024, Baptista forcibly raped and strangled a female park employee after meeting her that night. 

This case is the product of an investigation by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin C. Heinz is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Baptista faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: DOJ Release

Related: Judge Sentences Professional Rock Climber to Life in Prison for Sexual Assaults in Yosemite National Park