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Robert Cole Parmalee of Grants Pass, Oregon pleaded guilty to second-degree stalking of Paige Bueckers on Wednesday. Parmalee had made his way to Connecticut to attempt to meet with the UConn basketball star as part of some deranged fantasy.
The 40-year-old Oregon man was initially arrested in August while walking down the side of a highway in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. He had a warrant out for his arrest in the state of Oregon on a charge of first-degree arson at the time.
His visit to Connecticut to find Paige Bueckers came after a series of unhinged claims and threats he made on social media. One of those threats was that he was going to Connecticut to see Bueckers and that he would “sacrifice” anyone near her when he got there.
At the time of his first arrest, which was merely for the outstanding warrant, Parmalee was in possession of an engagement ring and lingerie that he planned to give to Bueckers. He was arrested again in September, this time for stalking Bueckers, and was charged with breach of peace, electronic stalking and harassment. He had been sending videos via social media to Bueckers prior to his second arrest.
The Oregonian reports that as part of his plea deal, Parmalee received a one-year suspended sentence and three years’ probation for the stalking charge.
Parmalee is now barred from the state of Connecticut and all arenas, hotels and practice facilities where the UConn women’s basketball team is present. Parmalee has been banned from all WNBA arenas and practice facilities. Parmalee must also continue to abide by a protective order that has been in effect since mid-September and will be in place until 2064. Parmalee must now comply with treatment recommendations for his mental health.
Robert Cole Parmalee reportedly apologized in court to the state of Connecticut, its residents and to UConn. He was scheduled to fly back to the state of Washington on Wednesday night.
“My client had requested that [Parmalee] return home, get the evaluation and treatment that he needs, and that she be left alone,” said attorney Robert Britt, who represented Paige Bueckers. “We’re very happy with that.”