SAN MATEO, Calif. – A well-known climbing instructor from the Bay Area faces charges of sexual assault, pleading not guilty to the accusations in court. Jason Crist, 38, of Pacifica, is accused of assaulting three women.
San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe expressed concerns that there may be more victims coming forward. Crist, a former instructor at Movement climbing gym in the Presidio, allegedly assaulted the women between 2019 and 2023 in various locations, including Pacifica, the Presidio, Joshua Tree, and Yosemite.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Crist was released on a $500,000 bail after the court hearing. The climbing community, including Kimberly Harrison, president of Bay Area Climbers Coalition, rallied to support the survivors who bravely came forward with their stories of abuse.
Harrison emphasized the importance of trust in climbing partnerships and highlighted the vulnerabilities climbers face when placing their faith in others. The climbing community has been forced to confront these issues head-on, reflecting on how they can address and prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Kimbrough Moore, author of climbing guidebooks, voiced his distress over the allegations against Crist, particularly noting the significance of places like Joshua Tree and Yosemite as sacred spaces for climbers. The news of the assaults has sent shockwaves through the climbing community, which has already been grappling with similar cases in recent years.
As the legal proceedings continue, the survivors and their supporters remain steadfast in seeking justice and holding those responsible for these heinous acts accountable. Crist is set to appear in court again on December 16, with the gravity of his charges hanging over him as the case unfolds.