A 55-year-old man from Texas, Michael Thomas Lewis, has been arrested and charged with stalking and threatening sexual battery or death in connection with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The charge against Lewis is considered a Level 5 felony, as per court documents.
According to sources, Lewis allegedly sent sexually violent messages to Clark through his X account. One of the messages mentioned him driving around her house multiple times and warning her not to involve the authorities just yet. He also reportedly mentioned attending a Fever game and sitting behind the team's bench.
Authorities confronted Lewis about the messages on January 8, during which he downplayed the content, claiming it was a 'fantasy-type thing' and a 'joke.' Despite Lewis's assertions that the messages were not threatening, Clark expressed fear and alerted the authorities about the situation.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commended Clark for her courage in coming forward, emphasizing the importance of women feeling safe from sexual violence in their communities.
This incident follows a similar case involving a 40-year-old man from Oregon, Robert Cole Parmalee, who pleaded guilty to stalking UConn Huskies women's basketball star Paige Bueckers. Parmalee was arrested in August after being found near Bradley International Airport in Connecticut with an engagement ring and lingerie, claiming his intention to marry Bueckers.
These cases highlight the ongoing issue of stalking and harassment faced by female athletes, underscoring the need for vigilance and support in addressing such behavior.
