Indictment Issued for Suspect Accused of Yosemite Rape

Nathan Baptista faces charges of aggravated sexual abuse after an indictment by a grand jury. The alleged assault occurred in late May at a house shared by the suspect and his Yosemite Hospitality co-workers.

In a recent development, federal authorities have announced the indictment of Nathan Baptista, 36, for allegedly raping a female Yosemite National Park employee in May.

Indictment Issued for Suspect Accused of Yosemite Rape

According to court documents, the victim reported that she and a friend had stopped at Baptista's shared residence on May 31, 2024. The victim stated that she was talking to the suspect in the living room when he suddenly assaulted her, without any other individuals present.

The victim further described the suspect as physically violent and sustained visible bruising from the incident. The court documents indicate that Baptista forcibly raped and strangled the victim.

Indictment Issued for Suspect Accused of Yosemite Rape

At the time of the alleged assault, Baptista was employed by Yosemite Hospitality. The indictment alleges that the incident occurred at the house he shared with his co-workers.

The aggravated sexual abuse charge carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence will be determined by the court after considering various statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictment Issued for Suspect Accused of Yosemite Rape

Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and no further details have been released at this time. Fox News Digital reached out to the National Park Service for additional information but did not receive an immediate response.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of employees working in isolated areas of Yosemite National Park. Park authorities have launched an internal review to assess the incident and take appropriate security measures.

Indictment Issued for Suspect Accused of Yosemite Rape

The indictment of Nathan Baptista comes at a time when several other cases of sexual assault in national parks have been reported. In a recent incident, a Yellowstone tourist received a seven-day jail sentence after being caught on camera performing a dangerous act that caused damage to park resources.

The alleged rape of a park employee has sparked public outrage and demands for justice. Advocates for victims' rights have called for increased security measures to protect employees from such attacks.

Yosemite National Park authorities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees and visitors. Incidents like this highlight the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent future attacks.

As the investigation continues, park authorities urge employees and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or potential threats to their safety. By working together, the Yosemite community can ensure the protection of its members and the preservation of the park's natural beauty.