Man Charged with Stalking and Harassment of UConn’s Paige Bueckers

In Vernon, Connecticut, an Oregon man faces multiple charges stemming from alleged stalking and harassment of University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball player Paige Bueckers. Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, from Grants Pass, Oregon, appeared in Connecticut Superior Court on Monday, held on a $100,000 bond after his arrest by UConn Police last Friday.

Parmalee has been charged with breach of peace, electronic stalking, and harassment, with records showing a variety of discrepancies in the spelling of his name, including the use of “Parmelee” across different platforms. The situation first came to the attention of UConn Police in June, when officials in UConn’s communications department received emails from Parmalee that were described as “rambling.” These emails included bizarre claims of his royal lineage and an intent to marry a member of the UConn women’s basketball team.

His social media presence has been particularly alarming, featuring numerous references to Bueckers, including a post that depicted what appeared to be a fake wedding invitation. Parmalee shared multiple images of himself with a diamond engagement ring, further intensifying concern over his intentions.

Some of Parmalee’s posts on social media have been deemed threatening towards Bueckers’ family and friends. A notable statement made on his TikTok account expressed his despair: “And if I cannot live with a woman of my choosing, [Bueckers], then I will choose to die, and I will choose to take all of you that [op]pose me, oppose us, to hell, and return, king…”

Parmalee’s troubling behavior has a history, having been arrested on August 27 by Connecticut State Police. Officers noticed him walking along a limited-access highway near Bradley International Airport, and upon questioning, he revealed he was attempting to meet Bueckers. A subsequent check by police uncovered an outstanding warrant for him in Oregon, leading to his arrest. Although he initially faced extradition to Oregon, those charges are expected to be dismissed.

After his arrest on August 27, Parmalee made statements on social media about traveling to propose to Bueckers and aiming to have her expelled from the university. The allegations against him became more serious when UConn Police were notified that he had begun sending videos to Bueckers earlier in the year. According to an affidavit tied to the arrest warrant, Bueckers, identified as Victim 1, indicated that she did not respond to any of these messages. On the morning of his most recent arrest, Bueckers expressed concern for her safety and that of her family as well as her teammates.

Bueckers’ legal representation has opted not to comment on the case. Officials from UConn athletics have also refrained from making any statements, with both Bueckers and head coach Geno Auriemma choosing to remain silent regarding the situation.

During the court appearance on Monday, protective and no-contact orders were issued for Bueckers, and should he post bail, Judge Richard Rubino emphasized that Parmalee would be under “intense pretrial supervision” along with GPS monitoring. This reflects the severity of the concerns raised by the charges against him.

In addition to his troubling communications with UConn, Parmalee also reached out to officials at universities such as USC and LSU, along with a sports agent, amplifying the investigation into his behavior.

Parmalee’s next court date is set for October 22 at Connecticut Superior Court in Rockville, where the legal proceedings surrounding these serious allegations will continue.

Source: various reports