A Texas man was arrested for allegedly stalking and sending sexually abusive messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Michael Thomas Lewis, 55, was charged with stalking threatening sexual abuse or death, FOX 59 reported, citing court documents. The charge is considered a level 5 felony.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York on January 4, 2025. (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)
Lewis allegedly sent Clark sexually abusive messages through his X account. One message said he had driven around her house several times and urged her “not to call the law yet.” He also reportedly talked about going to a Fever game and sitting behind the bench.
Authorities spoke with Lewis about the messages on Jan. 8, according to the station. He reportedly told authorities he was going to Indianapolis on vacation and downplayed the number of messages he sent to the WNBA sharpshooter.
Thomas told authorities the messages were not threatening and called it a “fantasy-like thing” and a “joke.”
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for a game against the Connecticut Sun on August 28, 2024. (Grace Smith/IndyStar/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Clark reportedly alerted authorities to the messages, saying she was frightened by the words being sent to her.
“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, and that’s why many don’t,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said via FOX 59. “By doing so, the victim sets an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.”
The arrest of Lewis came nearly a month after an Oregon man pleaded guilty to stalking UConn Huskies women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever poses during her introductory press conference on April 17, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Matt Kryger/NBAE via Getty Images)
Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, was arrested in August and was found with an engagement ring and lingerie while walking near Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. He said he intended to marry the Bueckers.
