Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Riots spread as Greek lawmakers OK debt bill

Man pleads not guilty in Andrews stalking case

Barrett, 48, allegedly shot video of ESPN reporter through hotel peephole

Image: Erin AndrewsGetty Images
Prosecutors say Michael Barrett found hotels where Erin Andrews was staying three times last year. They say he rented an adjacent room, altered the peephole and shot videos of Andrews.

LOS ANGELES - An Illinois insurance executive accused of secretly making nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews pleaded not guilty Monday to interstate stalking.

Michael Barrett, 48, entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Barrett is suspected of finding three hotels where Andrews was staying last year. He rented an adjacent room, altered the peephole and shot videos of Andrews, authorities said.

The videos were shot in Columbus, Ohio, in February 2008; Nashville, Tenn., seven months later; and Milwaukee, Wis., in July 2008, authorities said.

Barrett is accused of uploading the videos to the Internet and trying to sell them to celebrity gossip site TMZ earlier this year. Several TV networks and newspapers have aired or published images of Andrews taken from the videos.

If convicted, Barrett could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. He was scheduled to return to court Jan. 12.

Barrett remained free after posting a bond of $100,000 on Friday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Turchin set the amount after Andrews’ attorney Marshall Grossman called Barrett’s alleged behavior calculated, cunning and secretive and said he posed a threat to the public.

Barrett’s attorney David Willingham has said his client has no criminal record and has deep regret for the circumstances that prompted the charges.

The charges were filed in Los Angeles because TMZ is based there.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement
More news
Image: Pekingese Palacegarden Malachy trots in ring at the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York
Reuters
Pekingese favored to be top dog

Robins: It’s the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar calendar, and this Chinese influence could extend to it also being the year of the Pekingese on the green carpet at the 136th Westminster Dog Show on Tuesday.

NY cable dispute blacks out Knicks, 4 NHL teams

NEW YORK (AP) - As the glow fades from the Giants' Super Bowl triumph, some New York sports fans are tuning in to basketball and hockey, with the Rangers in first place and the Knicks' overnight sensation, Jeremy Lin, sparking "Lin-sanity.''

Image:
AP
Six new breeds will join show at Westminster

Robins: This year, six new breeds will be making their debut on the green carpet for the Westminster Dog Show, which begins Monday.

Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos

Slide show
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos

Slideshow
Boston Celtics v Indiana Pacers
  Who's hot on Twitter?
Check out which of your favorite athletes have the best pages and most followers!

NBCSports.com

Special feature
"American Woman: Fashioning A National Identity" Met Gala - Arrivals
When athletes and celebs get together
A look at the many links between sports and Hollywood stars.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image: To match Special Report CAMPAIGN/ROMNEY-OLYMPICS
  Presidential candidates and sports
How do President Obama and his Republican rivals stack up when it comes to their sports backgrounds?