Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has obtained a temporary restraining order against a California man accused of stalking him, his girlfriend and his sister.
A judge on Feb. 1 ordered 31-year-old Pradeep Manukonda to stay away from Zuckerberg and stop contacting him.
Manukonda tried to contact Zuckerberg numerous times in December via letter, e-mail and Facebook, including more than 20 times in one day, Facebook security officer Todd Sheets said in a court declaration. Manukonda also left a note on Zuckerberg’s car and was later spotted outside his house, Sheets said.
Guards stopped Manukonda just as he was about to walk up the front stairs to Zuckerberg’s residence, where Zuckerberg’s girlfriend was inside, according to court documents.
Sheets said he contacted police at the time and that an officer gave Manukonda a verbal stay-away order. Two days later, Sheets says Manukonda sent Zuckerberg a letter at his home and flowers two days after that, despite an in-person interview with Sheets where he promised to stop.
Manukonda did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
Barry Schnitt, a director at Facebook, told NBC News the report was accurate.
“We’re confirming that the restraining order was granted, but not providing any additional details,” he said.
In the letters included as evidence in the court file, Manukonda pleads with Zuckerberg for a few minutes of his time. Though his requests are vague, he appears to be seeking money to pay for medical treatment for his mother.
“I plead, please help me in saving my mother,” he writes in a letter dated Jan. 23. “I am ready to die for you. Please Mark please.”
Later in the same letter he writes: “I am waiting outside your house.”
The order also requires Manukonda to stay away from Zuckerberg’s girlfriend.
The restraining order was first reported by TMZ.com.
