In a concerning case of personal security, a man who persistently stalked and harassed UConn basketball standout Paige Bueckers has admitted to his crime.
Robert Cole Parmalee, aged 40, has acknowledged in court that he engaged in stalking Paige Bueckers, a celebrated athlete at the University of Connecticut. Parmalee’s legal troubles began when he was arrested on August 27 near Bradley International Airport in Hartford. At the time, he was found with peculiar items, including an engagement ring and lingerie, suggesting his distressing intentions towards Bueckers.
Parmalee, who hails from the Pacific Northwest with last known residences in Grants Pass, Oregon, and Ritzville, Washington, was initially apprehended while walking along a highway shortly after landing in Connecticut. This arrest was not isolated; it stemmed from an outstanding warrant in Josephine County, Oregon, where he faced accusations of arson—allegedly setting fire to a home with roommates and pets still inside.
During the investigation, law enforcement discovered Parmalee’s unsettling behavior extended beyond physical actions. He had been actively posting on various social media platforms, such as TikTok, sharing numerous photos, videos, and bizarre comments about his obsession with Bueckers since June. His online activity included alarming expressions of a desire to marry the young basketball star. Despite the troubling nature of these posts, initial evaluations did not lead to immediate criminal charges.
However, Parmalee’s conduct eventually escalated to a level that warranted legal intervention. His menacing behavior and incessant communication, including emails filled with rambling thoughts addressed to UConn officials, ultimately led to his charge of second-degree stalking. Initially, he faced multiple charges, including breach of peace and harassment, which were subsequently consolidated into a single count of stalking upon his guilty plea.
The legal repercussions for Parmalee include a one-year suspended prison sentence coupled with three years of probation. This judgment underscores the seriousness with which the justice system views stalking cases, particularly when they involve high-profile individuals like Bueckers, whose public presence does not mitigate their right to personal safety.
This case highlights the imperative need for vigilance and rigorous legal measures to protect individuals from unwanted and potentially dangerous attention. The outcome serves as a reminder of the legal system’s role in addressing such offenses and maintaining personal security for all.
Source: Local10
