A Texas man arrested for allegedly stalking and sending sexually abusive messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark had a disturbing hearing Wednesday as he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Michael Lewis walked into Marion County Superior Court, leaned back in his chair and told Judge Angela Davis he was “guilty as charged,” according to ESPN.
Davis suggested Lewis exercise his right to remain silent and enter a not guilty plea on his behalf, as she would not accept otherwise at a preliminary hearing, according to the report.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis on September 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Lewis was ordered held on $50,000 bail and ordered to stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse — where the Fever and Butler Bulldogs play, respectively. Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey, is an assistant on Butler’s men’s basketball team.
Lewis, 55, was charged with stalking threatening sexual violence or death, FOX 59 reported, citing court documents. The charge is considered a Level 5 felony. He faces up to six years in prison if convicted.
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.
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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever during her introductory press conference on April 17, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lewis told authorities the messages were not threatening and called it a “fantasy-like thing” and a “joke.”
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.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) signs mini basketballs for fans following during a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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.
