Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Assault of a Ranger and Other Crimes Committed in Yosemite National Park

FRESNO, Calif. - Michael Anthony Valencia, 32, of Appleton, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to time served followed by three years of supervised release for assault of a federal officer, interfering with a government employee engaged in official duties, and camping without a permit, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, beginning in June and continuing through July 22, 2024, Valencia began misusing the 911 emergency system that serves Yosemite National Park by making a series of non-emergency calls intended to harass dispatchers and law enforcement officers. Investigators identified the source and location of the calls and hiked to the location where Valencia had been camping without a permit for an extended time. Valencia stated that if he had had a gun, he would have shot one of the rangers. Valencia then punched and injured one of the rangers who served citations to Valencia. Valencia has been in custody since his arrest in July 2024.

Valencia pleaded guilty on March 23, 2026.

The National Park Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa prosecuted the case.