Illinois man admits stalking ESPN's Erin Andrews
LOS ANGELES, CA
/*Michael Barrett*/ pleaded guilty to interstate stalking
after Andrews urged the judge to give him a harsh sentence and not
allow him out on bail.
"His actions have had a devastating impact on me and family,"
said /*Erin Andrews*/, who attended the hearing with her father and
attorney.
She said she is constantly reminded that Barrett's videos
appeared online and subjected her to cruel taunts from sports fans
while working as a sideline reporter.
"I don't know him," she said. "I haven't met him. I hope he
never sees the light of day."
U.S. District Judge Manuel Real allowed Barrett to remain free
pending sentencing on Feb. 22.
According to a plea deal filed last week, prosecutors and
Barrett agreed to a 27-month prison sentence. But the judge will
decide how long he serves and how much restitution he will have to
pay Andrews.
Barrett has admitted renting hotel rooms next to Andrews three
times and shooting two videos of her while she was naked. He was
accused of posting the videos online and trying to sell them to the
Los Angeles-based celebrity gossip site TMZ this year.
Andrews was poised as she addressed the court. She looked down
at times as Real read the allegations against Barrett, which
included details of him traveling to follow Andrews. She shook her
head when Real read about Barrett buying information about Andrews
online, and dabbed tears after Barrett entered his guilty plea.
Barrett stood at a podium for the nearly 10 minutes it took to
read the allegations against him. He repeatedly answered, "Yes,
your honor" when Real asked him to waive his rights and confirm
the truthfulness of the allegations.
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have agreed not to pursue
further charges against Barrett. However, he could face criminal
action in other states stemming from other videos he allegedly shot
of unsuspecting nude women through peepholes.
