Accused stalker of Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson enters insanity plea in LA

Accused Shawn Johnson stalker enters insanity plea

LOS ANGELES — A man accused of stalking Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on Monday on the eve of his trial.

Robert O’Ryan, 36, entered the plea and waived his right to a jury trial, clearing the way for a judge to determine if he is guilty and sane.

Opening statements in the felony stalking and burglary case were expected to begin Tuesday.

O’Ryan is accused of going to a Los Angeles studio where Johnson was performing on “Dancing With the Stars” last year in an attempt to meet the gymnast.

Authorities said a search of the car O’Ryan drove from Florida turned up two guns and love letters to Johnson. He also faces two misdemeanor charges involving concealed weapons.

O’Ryan could face nearly four years in state prison and another two years in county jail if convicted. He has been jailed since his arrest last year.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor warned O’Ryan that if he is convicted and found to be insane, he could be confined to a state mental hospital for much longer.

Johnson, 18, was expected to testify during the trial.

The Iowa native won a gold medal and three silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and won her cycle of “Dancing With the Stars.”