A man accused of stalking UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers and declaring his intention to marry her has pleaded guilty to stalking charges.
Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, received a one-year suspended sentence and three years of probation after entering his plea in a Connecticut court on Wednesday.
Arrest Details and Evidence
Parmalee was first arrested on August 27 near Bradley International Airport in Hartford. Police reports reveal that he was walking along a highway with an engagement ring and lingerie in his possession. Parmalee told a state trooper that he had traveled from the Pacific Northwest to meet Bueckers at the University of Connecticut.
At the time of his arrest, authorities discovered that Parmalee was wanted in Josephine County, Oregon, on charges of arson for allegedly setting a home on fire with roommates and pets inside.
Online Harassment and Escalating Behavior
According to police, Parmalee had been posting about Bueckers on TikTok and other social media platforms since June. His posts included photos, videos, and rambling comments expressing his desire to marry the basketball star. Parmalee also emailed UConn officials with concerning messages about Bueckers.
While his initial online activity did not warrant criminal charges, his comments became increasingly alarming over time, prompting authorities to take action.
Legal Proceedings
Originally, Parmalee faced multiple charges, including stalking, harassment, and breach of peace. These were later consolidated into a single charge of second-degree stalking as part of a plea agreement.
An email requesting comment from Parmalee’s public defender was not immediately returned.
Court’s Sentencing Decision
Under the terms of the plea deal, Parmalee’s one-year jail sentence was suspended, meaning he will not serve time if he complies with the conditions of his probation. His three-year probation period will likely include restrictions on his contact with Bueckers and monitoring of his behavior.
Concerns About Public Safety
Parmalee’s history of troubling behavior, including the Oregon arson charge, has raised concerns about his potential danger to others. His guilty plea in this case highlights the importance of addressing stalking and harassment to ensure the safety of individuals targeted by such actions.
