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A man from Denton has been arrested in Indiana for stalking basketball star Caitlin Clark.
Michael Lewis, 55, faces a felony stalking charge after his Sunday arrest for allegedly sending threats and sexual, violent messages to the WNBA all-star through social media channels, according to ESPN.
The report notes that Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears said investigators tracked the IP address of Lewis’ most recent messages and determined he was in Indianapolis at that time. (Clark plays guard for the Indiana Fever.) According to ESPN, investigators spoke to Lewis last week after he traveled from Denton to Indianapolis, where he “told police that he was in ‘an imaginary relationship’ with Clark and that he came to Indianapolis on vacation.”
On Dec. 27, police say that Lewis posted a reply to Clark’s X account stating “this fantasy caitlin relationship is changing me for the better. . And about an hour ago i felt strong caitlin feelings. .like sensual. .wow’.”
More messages continued, with threats of stalking and violence becoming more explicit toward Clark.
“Been driving around your house 3x a day,” reportedly read one message from Lewis to Clark. “But don’t call the law just yet,” with another reading “i am ur slave. so work me out.”
Other messages to Clark suggested he would be sitting near her team’s bench at an upcoming game.
Clark reportedly told police that she feared for her safety as a result of these messages and explained that she has taken measures to change her appearance in public.
“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Mears said according to a report in The Guardian. “In doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.”
ESPN states that Lewis could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Clark has been one of the most talked-about sports stars on the planet for the past few years. She became the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball just before being drafted No. 1 in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. In her first year as a professional, Clark won the Rookie of the Year award and was named to the All-WNBA first team.
