A Texas man is accused of stalking WNBA player Caitlin Clark on a criminal basis. A $50,000 bond and a no-contact order have been granted by the court.
Texas resident Michael Thomas Lewis, 55, is accused of stalking WNBA player Caitlin Clark. He is charged with harassing Clark on multiple occasions between December 16, 2024, and January 11, 2025.
A Level 5 felony charge, punishable by a term of one to six years in jail, was filed by the Marion County prosecutor’s office. Lewis allegedly sent Clark sexually aggressive communications, making him feel intimidated and uneasy, according to the prosecution.
According to court records, Lewis sent at least 14 disturbing messages. One of these was overt; he claimed to have driven past Clark’s house three times every day. “I’m sitting behind the bench, and I’m getting tickets,” said another. Some of these messages were linked by the FBI to a downtown Indianapolis library and a hotel close to Clark’s team’s home field, Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Lewis apparently acted strangely in court, occasionally joking and laughing. As he sat in the courtroom, he yelled, “guilty as charged.” Lewis stated during interrogation that the relationship was fictitious and that he was on vacation. Prosecutors counter that his messages were threatening. Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year winner, told officials that she changed her public appearance schedule because of safety concerns.
Lewis was given a no-contact order by the court as part of the legal proceedings, which forbade him from getting in touch with Clark via phone, social media, or other channels. Additionally, Lewis was told to maintain a minimum of 500 feet between Hinkle Fieldhouse, where Clark’s team practices, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He must provide the authorities his contact information so they may track him via GPS.
Lewis was placed under a $50,000 bond and ordered to stay in Indiana until he was given permission to depart. He will wear an ankle band for monitoring if he posts bond. The court issued a warning that his bond might be revoked if he disregarded the stay-away or no-contact orders. Lewis could be imprisoned for up to six years and fined $10,000 if convicted.
Lewis flew from Texas to Indianapolis with the intention of being near Clark, according to the prosecutor’s office, which is why they requested a higher-than-normal bond. Lewis entered a not guilty plea, and Judge Angela Davis told him to be quiet while he was in custody and only speak to his lawyer.
Lewis’ next court appearance is scheduled for March 31, 2025.
