A Texas man has been arrested for stalking Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Michael Lewis was charged with stalking and sending violent threats to the WNBA superstar.
Authorities say Lewis traveled from Texas to Indianapolis, Indiana and began bombarding Clark with sexually explicit messages.
Lewis, 55, is accused of sending Clark threatening messages on X (Twitter) over the past month. An affidavit shows over 15 messages Lewis sent to the 22-year-old from his X account.
The affidavit shows Lewis began contacting Clark on X on December 27. He mentioned having “fantasies” about the former Iowa Hawkeyes standout. “this fantasy caitlin relationship is changing me for the better. . And about an hour ago i felt strong caitlin feelings. .like sensual. .wow”,” he wrote in one message.
The next day, Lewis said he risked facing a stalking charge to get close to Clark: “i already have one foot on a banana peel and the other on a stalking charge. . So i wont be able to wear ur hoodie. .wont look good in court”.
Clark blocked Lewis on X, and he was banned from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Fever play home games.
But Lewis threatened to confront Clark when the Fever traveled to away games. “Got banned from caitbridge [sic]. Im sorry. Bu maybe I go to ur road games..its ok right? [sic]” one of his posts read, according to the affidavit.
Clark’s bodyguard (in grey jersey) shadows her everywhere she goes.
The FBI got involved, since Lewis crossed state lines to stalk Clark. Federal investigators tracked his IP addresses to a hotel in the 100 block of West Market Street. The hotel is about a mile from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Fever play. Another IP address was tracked to the Indianapolis downtown library.
“Lewis’s presence in Indianapolis was especially concerning given that he is a Texas resident,” detectives said in the affidavit.
Indianapolis police confronted Lewis at the hotel on Jan. 8. He acknowledged writing messages to Clark on X, “just the same reason everybody makes posts.” But he denied sending the threatening messages. He confessed to having “an imaginary relationship” with Clark.
Police did not arrest Lewis during their visit, but the messages continued after the police left, the affidavit states.
Clark told police she changed her public appearances because of the violent threats from Lewis.
Lewis was arrested on Jan. 12. He was still in jail as of Monday morning. The prosecutor’s office has requested a higher than usual bond. A bond hearing is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14.
If convicted, he faces up to six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears praised Clark for contacting police and reporting the stalking and threats herself.
“No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence,” Mears said. “It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t.”
Mears added: “In doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.”
