The verdict is in: He's no good, he's no good, he's no good.
A Colorado man accused of stalking Linda Ronstadt for nearly 10 years has been ordered at long last to keep his distance.
Bernie Salazar Ortiz, aka Bernard Adelmo Ortiz, was issued a preliminary injunction by Arizona's Pima County Superior Court last Tuesday, at the bequest of Ronstadt's attorneys, barring him from approaching or contacting the folk-rock singer.
Ronstadt, 60, sought the protective order after learning that Ortiz, who previously pleaded guilty and served time for stalking the singer, was due to be released from prison in the coming weeks.
According to the injunction, Ortiz cannot attend any of the "Don't Know Much" songbird's concerts, come within 1,000 feet of her or contact her either in person, by phone or in writing. Ortiz has also been barred from sending, either directly or indirectly, cards, packages, flowers or any other items to Ronstadt.
Ronstadt said Ortiz's past advances have led to growing fears for her safety. The singer has a string of upcoming concert dates and, according to court documents, feared Ortiz because of his long history of stalking and mental illness: Tucson authorities have said he's been been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
According to court documents, Ortiz first began contacting Ronstadt in May 1997 and made repeated attempts to meet the singer, frequently showing up at her brother Michael's home and sending several letters to both her brother and sister, Suzi.
A year later, he pleaded guilty to stalking Ronstadt's brother Michael and received probation. He was quickly sent to prison, however, when he violated the terms of his probation by again contacting and continuing to harass the Ronstadt family.
He was released from prison in November 1999, at which time he took up writing letters to the object of his obsession and sent them to her siblings.
In May 2000, Ortiz showed up at one of her Sun City, Ariz., concerts and was issued a harassment injunction in September of the same year, though the order has since expired.
Last November, Ortiz again attempted contact with Ronstadt by showing up at a concert in Las Cruces, N.M., where he left roses and a card for the singer backstage.
Ronstadt kicks off her mini-tour in Chicago Mar. 26.