Yosemite restaurant chef faces federal sexual abuse charges over night with teen coworker

A grand jury charged Danavon Caine, a 38-year-old chef at the Mountain Room restaurant in Yosemite Valley Lodge, with two counts of sexual abuse. Prosecutors allege that on July 17 the chef, who holds a seasonal international visa, asked his 19-year-old coworker to join him after work, and they traveled to his housing area. While looking at the stars, Caine allegedly began discussing sex, removed the teen’s clothing, and attempted oral sex, which she says she refused multiple times.

She further claims he placed a hand on her throat, leaving a red mark, before she pushed him away and he left. After the encounter she sought refuge at a friend’s house and later reported the case, prompting the federal indictment that carries a potential life sentence and a $250,000 fine.