A man from Texas has been charged with a felony for allegedly stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark, Al Jazeera reports, citing the Marion County prosecutor’s office.
Michael Thomas Lewis is accused of repeatedly harassing the 22-year-old Indiana Fever player through numerous messages posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to court filings, the alleged harassment began on December 16 and included several disturbing messages. One message mentioned that Lewis had been driving by the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Fever play home games, three times a day. Another post stated he had “one foot on a banana peel and the other on a stalking charge.” Other messages were described as sexually explicit and threatening.
Prosecutors argue that the posts “actually caused Caitlin Clark to feel terrorised, frightened, intimidated, or threatened” and that an implied or explicit threat was made “with the intent to place Caitlin Clark in reasonable fear of sexual battery.” If convicted, Lewis could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
An affidavit from a Marion County sheriff’s lieutenant revealed that the FBI traced the X account to Lewis and that the messages were sent from IP addresses linked to an Indianapolis hotel and a downtown public library.
When questioned by Indianapolis police on January 8 at his hotel room, Lewis reportedly claimed he was in Indianapolis on vacation. When asked why he made so many posts about Clark, he allegedly replied:
“Just the same reason everybody makes posts.”
He told police that he did not mean any harm and that he fantasized about being in a relationship with Clark.
Prosecutors have sought a higher-than-standard bond, arguing that Lewis traveled from his home in Texas to Indianapolis “with the intent to be in close proximity to the victim.” They have also requested a stay-away order, prohibiting him from visiting the Gainbridge and Hinkle fieldhouses should he be released before trial.
Clark reportedly told police that the threats had caused her to fear for her safety, and she had taken measures to alter her appearance when in public.
Clark, the number one overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has quickly risen to stardom since joining the Indiana Fever. Following a celebrated career at Iowa, she has earned All-Star and All-WNBA honors and was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in the 2024 season.
Lewis is due to appear in court on Tuesday.
