Celebrity News March 25, 2009
Shawn Johnson Files Restraining Order!
"Extra" has obtained the restraining order filed by Olympic gold medalist and "Dancing with the Stars" cutie Shawn Johnson against Robert O'Ryan, a man who stands accused of stalking and harassing the tiny gymnast.
On Wednesday, Johnson released a statement saying, "The matter has been turned over to the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. It is currently an ongoing investigation and we are confident that it will be handled appropriately by all involved."
The court documents claim that O'Ryan, a Florida native, packed up his belongings and traveled across the country and attempted to contact Shawn at CBS Studios. He reportedly believed that the young athlete "spoke to him through the television and with ESP and that he will be with her no matter what."
Police officers also found two loaded guns in O'Ryan's possession, as well as love letters, duct tape, clippings and other information about Johnson.
L.A. prosecutor and author of "Whisper of Fear" Rhonda Saunders tells "Extra" this is a case of a classic star stalker. Saunders says, "These are all red flags that make the crime more dangerous... or potentially more dangerous."
The documents also state the 17-year-old athlete wants protection for her parents and "Dancing with the Stars" partner Mark Ballas.
O'Ryan, 34, is currently being held on $35,000 bail on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm.
UPDATE: The District Attorney's office announced that Robert has been charged with one felony count of stalking and two misdemeanor counts of carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. If convicted, O'Ryan faces up to four years in prison.
UPDATE 3:40 PM PDT: Robert Michael O'Ryan pleaded not guilty to stalking Shawn Johnson. The judge raised his bail to $220,000 and ordered him to stay away from Johnson and CBS Studios. He was also ordered not to annoy or harass anyone else. No psychological evaluation was ordered. O'Ryan did not make bail.
