Authorities in Indianapolis have charged a 55-year-old man from Texas with felony stalking of Indiana Fever star and WNBA rookie of the year, Caitlin Clark. The accused, Michael Thomas Lewis, allegedly engaged in repeated and continued harassment of the 22-year-old Clark, with the incidents starting on Dec. 16.
According to court filings from the Marion County prosecutor's office, Lewis posted numerous messages on Clark's X account, some of which were sexually explicit. In one message, he mentioned driving by Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Fever plays home games, multiple times a day. Another message contained a disturbing reference to a potential stalking charge.
The affidavit from a Marion County sheriff's lieutenant stated that these posts caused Clark to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened. Prosecutors further noted that an implicit or explicit threat was made with the intent to instill fear of sexual battery in Clark.
Investigations by the FBI revealed that the X account belonged to Lewis, and the messages were traced back to IP addresses at an Indianapolis hotel and downtown public library. Indianapolis police confronted Lewis at his hotel room on Jan. 8, where he claimed to be in the city on vacation.
During questioning, Lewis admitted to fantasizing about being in a relationship with Clark but insisted that his posts were meant as jokes and not intended to cause harm. Despite his explanations, the prosecutor's office sought a higher than standard bond, citing Lewis's travel from Texas to Indianapolis with the intent to be in close proximity to the victim.
If released ahead of trial, prosecutors requested a stay-away order for Lewis, requiring him to avoid Gainbridge and Hinkle fieldhouses where the Fever play their home games. As of now, it remains unclear if Lewis has legal representation to comment on his behalf.
Caitlin Clark, named the Female Athlete of the Year for 2024 by the Associated Press, has had a successful career, leading Iowa to a national championship game and earning the top pick in the WNBA draft, ultimately winning rookie of the year honors in the league.
