Shawn Johnson's Alleged Stalker Pleads Insanity

LOS ANGELES, June 7, 2010— -- The man accused of stalking Olympic gold medalist and "Dancing with the Stars" champion Shawn Johnson today said he is not guilty because he is insane.

Robert O'Ryan's stalking trial began today in at Los Angeles County Superior Court, although testimony won't begin until Tuesday at the earliest.

O'Ryan is accused of showing up at the "Dancing With the Stars" set in Los Angeles last year with two loaded guns, a bullet-proof vest, duct tape and love letters written to Johnson. He reportedly told police he believed he was supposed to have a child with Johnson.

Wearing a blue and yellow jail uniform and a thick goatee, O'Ryan, entered a second plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Judge Michael Pastor asked, "Is this your desire?"

"Yes, your honor," O'Ryan responded.

O'Ryan also waived his right to a jury trial, which means the judge alone will decide whether he is guilty.

The 36-year-old man from Florida is charged with felony counts of stalking and burglary, along with two misdemeanor counts of carrying a loaded firearm. He could get close to six years in state prison if he is found guilty and sane or, potentially, the rest of his life in a mental hospital if he is found guilty and insane.

O'Ryan told the judge he understood that gamble and was willing to move forward with his insanity plea.

His public defender has said previously that her client had no personal contact with Johnson, although the district attorney claims O'Ryan was willing to do anything he could to get close to her, even if it meant breaking into the Los Angeles TV lot where "Dancing with the Stars" is filmed.

Prosecutors have yet to present any evidence at the trial, but they brought two guns, a wooden baton-type object and other weapons into the courtroom today.