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Judge Issues 5-Year Restraining Order Against Sabrina Carpenter Stalker

6/19/2026

Summary

Wasserman Issues Order

Judge David Wasserman issued a five-year restraining order against William Applegate for stalking Sabrina Carpenter, barring contact with Carpenter, sister Sarah and partner George Smith and a 100-yard buffer from their homes, workplaces and vehicles.
Applegate, representing himself, claimed a classified military program forced him and Carpenter stay together to save the world.
Violating the order can result in a $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.

Summary

Carpenter Wins

William Applegate remains under a criminal investigation, with court records showing no charges have been filed.
Sabrina Carpenter, 27, won two Grammy Awards at the 67th annual Grammys and received album-of-the-year honors at the 2026 American Music Awards for “Man’s Best Friend.”
Before her music career, Carpenter starred as a teen on the Disney Channel series “Girl Meets World,” a role that helped launch her transition to pop stardom.

Summary

Wasserman Bars Firearms

Judge David I. Wasserman barred Applegate from possessing firearms or ammunition while the restraining order remains in effect.
Detective Peter Doomanis said Applegate’s behavior matches the hallmarks of a fixated, obsessional stalker.
Applegate was arrested at Carpenter’s residence in May and is scheduled for a criminal court hearing the following day.

Summary

Applegate Strikes Guard

Applegate struck a security guard at Carpenter’s front door.
A temporary restraining order was issued on May 29, followed by a five-year order on June 17.
The filing labels Carpenter as the “Espresso” singer, a nickname not mentioned in earlier reports.
Applegate alleged that police and Carpenter’s representatives were working against him.
The order also refers to Carpenter as the “Please Please Please” singer.

History

Historical Context

In 1990, the murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer prompted Judge John Watson and Rep. Ed Royce to draft California Penal Code 646.9, the nation’s first anti-stalking law. The statute’s restraining-order framework spread to all states within three years and underlies Judge David Wasserman’s recent five-year order against William Applegate for stalking singer Sabrina Carpenter.

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Wasserman Issues Order

Judge David Wasserman issued a five-year restraining order against William Applegate for stalking Sabrina Carpenter, barring contact with Carpenter, sister Sarah and partner George Smith and a 100-yard buffer from their homes, workplaces and vehicles.
Applegate, representing himself, claimed a classified military program forced him and Carpenter stay together to save the world.
Violating the order can result in a $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.

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