Indianapolis authorities have apprehended a Texas man on felony stalking charges after he inundated WNBA star Caitlin Clark with numerous threatening messages.
The perpetrator, identified as 55-year-old Michael Lewis, is reported to have sent “a significant number of sexually explicit messages via X” between December 16, 2024, and January 2, 2025, according to documents released by the Marion County Prosecutor’s office.
The 55-year-old Texas man has been charged with felony stalking of Caitlin Clark.
He is accused of sending Clark “multiple threats and sexually charged messages” through X and traveled to Indianapolis, where he was arrested at a hotel.
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Law enforcement was able to locate Lewis using his IP address, revealing that he was in Indianapolis in pursuit of a face-to-face encounter with Clark.
The Indiana Fever player was aware of the situation, informing authorities that Lewis’s presence in Indianapolis caused her to feel “very concerned for her safety.”
“Clark expressed that she has been extremely afraid since becoming aware of the messages and has changed her public appearances and movement patterns due to concerns for her safety,” the affidavit stated (via ABC News).
Reportedly, when questioned by police, Lewis attempted to minimize the gravity of his messages, claiming they were merely imaginative expressions and that he was in Indianapolis just for vacation.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears issued a statement:
“Regardless of one’s public stature, this case underscores how online harassment can swiftly escalate into real threats of physical harm. It takes immense bravery for women to step forward in these situations, which is why many do not. By doing so, the victim sets a powerful example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indianapolis free from the fear of sexual violence.”
Regarding the legal ramifications Lewis faces, the level 5 felony stalking charge, also referred to as “criminal stalking,” carries a potential prison sentence of one to six years along with a fine of up to $10,000.
