A man from Texas was arrested in Indianapolis this weekend on criminal harassment charges related to Caitlin Clark after sending a series of sexually violent and threatening messages to Indiana fever star, local prosecutors said Monday.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that Michael Lewis, 55, was arrested following an investigation that determined Lewis traveled to Indianapolis with the intent of being nearby from Clark and then continued to send messages to Clark after being questioned by police about his behavior last week.
The prosecutor’s office also filed an order requiring Lewis to stay away from Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Fever play most of their games. WNBA home matches.
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“No matter what your personality, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate into actual threats of physical violence,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement. “It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, and that’s why many don’t. In doing so, the victim sets an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without being threatened with sexual violence. We commend Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for the swift and serious action that led to this weekend’s arrest.
Police discovered that Lewis’ recent messages, sent through his X account, came from IP addresses at a Hilton Garden Inn in Indianapolis, as well as the downtown Indianapolis Public Library. Lewis’ presence in Indianapolis was particularly concerning given that he resides in Texas, according to the probable cause affidavit in the case.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police made contact with Lewis on Jan. 8 in his hotel room about the messages, according to police documents. Lewis claimed that the messages of a threatening nature were not his and acknowledged that “it’s just an imaginary relationship.”
Despite the encounter with law enforcement, Lewis’ inappropriate messages to Clark allegedly continued. Charging documents note that Lewis’ attempts to send a message to Clark after coming into contact with law enforcement “demonstrate a complete disregard for the seriousness of his conduct and the likelihood that he would attempt to pursue his harassment.”
Clark told police in an interview Saturday that “she had been very frightened since learning of the messages and had changed her public appearances and travel habits out of fear for her safety.” , according to the affidavit. Clark said she became very concerned for her safety after learning Lewis was in Indianapolis. Clark also said she did not know Lewis and never responded to any of his posts or messages .”
The harassment charge against Lewis carries a sentence of 1 to 6 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Prosecutors also filed a motion to obtain a higher-than-standard bond for Lewis.
Clark has become the biggest draw in women’s basketball — and one of the most popular athletes in the country, regardless of sport – continuing his record-breaking career at Iowa with WNBA Rookie of the Year honors this last season. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Fever.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Texas man accused of stalking Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis
