Man pleads guilty to stalking UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers
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A 40-year-old man from Grants Pass, Oregon, pleaded guilty to stalking University of Connecticut (UConn) basketball star Paige Bueckers after repeatedly posting on social media about her and traveling to Connecticut in an attempt to meet her. The defendant, Robert Cole Parmalee, faced a single charge of stalking after initially being arrested in August and again in September. On Wednesday, he received a one-year suspended sentence and was placed on three years of probation by Judge Moira L. Buckley at Rockville Superior Court.
Parmalee’s legal troubles began in August when he was arrested near Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about 40 minutes from the UConn campus in Storrs. He was initially arrested on unrelated charges, but police discovered that he had traveled to Connecticut intending to meet Bueckers. Parmalee had posted on social media about his plans to present Bueckers with an engagement ring. In a subsequent arrest in September, Bueckers expressed concerns for her safety, prompting police to take further action. While Parmalee faced several charges, including harassment and a breach of peace, they were ultimately reduced to a single stalking charge.
The plea agreement included several conditions for Parmalee. He must comply with an existing protective order that lasts until 2064, which prohibits him from entering the state of Connecticut during his probation period. Additionally, he is banned from any arenas, hotels, or practice facilities where UConn’s women’s basketball team is present. This restriction extends to all WNBA arenas and practice facilities as well. Parmalee will also be required to undergo mental health evaluation, counseling, and treatment.
The stalking case began with Parmalee’s frequent social media posts, where he referenced his desire to marry Bueckers. In one post, he made concerning comments about a photo of Bueckers and an unnamed man, stating, “This is worth it for this guy, huh? … This is just one guy, I’ll sacrifice him, no problems, no questions asked.” In another post, Parmalee mentioned bringing Bueckers flowers and locating her mother’s home. These posts, along with his actions, led Bueckers to become increasingly alarmed for the safety of her family and friends.
Bueckers, the 2021 AP Player of the Year, told authorities that she had never interacted with Parmalee either online or in person. However, as the situation escalated, she became concerned for her loved ones. This prompted her to file a statement with UConn police, outlining her fears. The stalking incident raised significant concerns about safety for both Bueckers and her family.
The resolution of the case highlights the importance of protecting individuals, especially public figures, from harassment and stalking. The legal outcome ensures that Parmalee will face consequences for his actions while also receiving the mental health support he needs. With the protective order and strict probation terms, Bueckers is afforded the peace of mind that Parmalee will not have any further contact with her or her family.
This case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by obsessive behavior and the importance of maintaining boundaries, especially for individuals in the public eye. The decision to issue a long-lasting protective order and require mental health counseling underscores the seriousness with which the court treated the case.
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