Yosemite National Park
Sierra Sun Times file photo

April 7, 2022 - FRESNO, Calif. — After a three-day trial, a jury found Charles Porter, 31, a resident of Yosemite National Park and Pomona, guilty on Wednesday of attempted aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, assault with intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse, assault with intent to commit abusive sexual contact, and assault by striking or wounding, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to evidence presented at trial, on April 14, 2020, in Yosemite National Park, Porter, an Aramark employee working and residing in Yosemite Valley, entered the victim’s cabin in employee housing at night while the victim was asleep and began to sexually assault the victim. The victim fought back, and during the struggle, Porter attempted to penetrate the victim. The victim was able to reach the door of his one-room cabin to call for help. Nearby neighbors heard his call for help, and they responded and physically removed Porter.

This case is the product of an investigation by National Park Service Special Agents and Law Enforcement Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Schuh and Laura Jean Berger are prosecuting the case.

Porter is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on July 8, 2022. Porter faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will 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.
Source: DOJ Release