The Westmont man accused of stalking and illegally filming ESPN reporter Erin Andrews will plead guilty to the charges. Michael Barrett could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 when he's sentenced. Barrett was charged with interstate stalking for, according to Chicago Breaking Sports, "renting hotel rooms adjacent to Andrews in three cities last year, altering the peepholes and shooting videos of Andrews in two of the locations." Barrett's attorney said, "He does accept full responsibility for his conduct. He apologizes to Ms. Andrews. It is his hope that these events can become an opportunity to make positive changes in his life." There's no word on when Barrett will be sentenced.
Guilty Plea Coming In Erin Andrews Case
Not Guilty Plea In Case Of Erin Andrews' Alleged Stalker
An area man accused of stalking and illegally videotaping ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews has pleaded not guilty on one count of interstate stalking. The plea was entered in a federal court in Los Angeles earlier today. The man, insurance executive Michael Barrett, is free on $100,000 bond, an amount that's much higher than the original bond imposed. Barrett was already free on $4,500 bond and U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Turchin was set to raise that to $20,000 but raised it higher after hearing arguments from attorneys in the case. Per the AP:
Extra, Extra
- The man charged with stalking and making those peephole videos of ESPN's Erin Andrews has been released on bail but ordered to home confinement.
- Chicago in 2040: still no jet-packs but more CTA.
- Those who fear the next Hamthrax outbreak can mark your calendars: the first shipment of the H1N1 vaccine are due to hit Chicago on October 15, but those first doses will be limited to certain demographics.
Westmont Man Arrested For Erin Andrews Videos
The FBI arrested a Westmont man Friday at O'Hare International Airport for allegedly videotaping an ESPN anchor in two hotel rooms, according to Chicago Breaking News. Michael David Barrett, 48, faces interstate stalking charges for producing nude videos of ESPN personality Erin Andrews (Andrews is not named in the FBI release but is identified as "an on-air personality with ESPN"). The videos - which lit up the sports blogosphere back in the summer - were obtained through "altering peepholes," the report said. According to The Australian, the eyepieces were "shortened" and then "hacksawed" to see into the victim's room.

