A 40-year-old man accused of persistently stalking and harassing University of Connecticut basketball standout Paige Bueckers has pleaded guilty to a stalking charge, resolving a troubling case that rattled both university officials and fans of the star athlete. The defendant, identified as Robert Cole Parmalee, entered the plea on Wednesday, accepting responsibility for a series of actions that prosecutors say escalated from mere social media overtures to a disturbing personal pursuit.
Parmalee received a one-year suspended sentence and will serve three years of probation, according to a clerk from the court overseeing the case.
By pleading guilty to second-degree stalking, Parmalee saw several original charges—stalking, breach of peace, and harassment—consolidated into the single count. His public defender did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
Prior to his arrest, Parmalee had maintained addresses in Grants Pass, Oregon, and Ritzville, Washington. In late August, he was taken into custody while walking along a highway near Bradley International Airport in the Hartford area.
At the time, police discovered he was carrying both an engagement ring and lingerie, items he later admitted he planned to deliver to Bueckers. Authorities say he had recently arrived from the Pacific Northwest, traveling specifically with the intention of encountering the nationally renowned UConn player in person.
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Bueckers, a celebrated figure in women’s collegiate basketball, rose to stardom as a standout guard for UConn. Her explosive talent, on-court leadership, and high-profile media presence have garnered her a massive fan following, making the intrusion of a persistent stalker all the more unsettling.
Over recent years, Bueckers has become one of the most visible athletes in NCAA basketball, receiving numerous accolades and praise for her skill and sportsmanship.
The severity of Parmalee’s actions, authorities say, was underscored by his fixation on the athlete—someone who has inspired legions of supporters but is also entitled to privacy and personal safety.
Investigators learned that Parmalee had been posting photos, videos, and increasingly erratic messages on TikTok and other social media platforms, detailing his imagined connection with Bueckers and even proclaiming an intention to marry her.
Since June, he had also sent a series of meandering, “rambling” emails to UConn officials that referenced Bueckers and his obsession with her. Initially, these communications, while worrisome, did not meet the threshold for criminal charges. However, over time, authorities noted that Parmalee’s rhetoric grew more disturbing, prompting law enforcement to intensify their efforts to locate and apprehend him.
Another twist in the case emerged when the Connecticut state trooper who detained Parmalee discovered an outstanding arrest warrant from Josephine County, Oregon.
That separate warrant accused Parmalee of arson—specifically, setting a home ablaze with roommates and pets inside. This alarming revelation added a layer of seriousness to the situation and provided further justification for taking Parmalee into custody before he could approach Bueckers or pose any direct threat.
The resolution of the case brings a measure of closure, though concerns about stalkers and other individuals fixated on public figures remain a pressing issue.
High-profile athletes, entertainers, and public personalities often draw intense scrutiny and attention, and instances like this serve as reminders that law enforcement, university administrations, and support staffs must remain vigilant.
By pleading guilty and accepting a punishment that includes probation, Parmalee acknowledges the harm and fear he caused.
For Bueckers and the larger UConn community, the hope now is that the measures put in place will ensure her well-deserved peace of mind and allow her to remain focused on what she does best—excelling on the basketball court and inspiring fans, young athletes, and teammates alike.
