Man charged with raping Yosemite National Park employee

A man has been charged with aggravated sexual assault for allegedly raping a park employee in Yosemite National Park, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

Nathan Baptista, 36, is accused of raping and strangling a co-worker he met at the park on the night of May 31, 2024. If found guilty of the crime, he could face life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Baptista’s final sentence, if he is convicted, will be at the discretion of the court. The National Park Service investigated the case, and it is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Arin C. Heinz.