An alleged follower of Caitlin Clark has his first argument with an Indiana judge
A Texas man accused of stalking and sending sex messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark had a disturbing hearing Wednesday as he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Michael Lewis walked into Marion County Superior Court, leaned back in his chair and told Judge Angela Davis that he was “guilty as charged,” according to ESPN.
Davis suggested to Lewis that he exercise his right to remain silent and testified that he was not guilty because he would not accept anything else at trial, according to the report.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Lewis was ordered to be held on $50,000 bail and to stay out of Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse – home to the Fever and Butler Bulldogs, respectively. Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey, is an assistant on the Butler men’s basketball team.
Lewis, 55, has been charged with sexual harassment or death, FOX 59 reported, citing court documents. The offense is considered a Level 5 felony. He could face up to six years in prison if convicted.
Lewis allegedly sent Clark sexually explicit messages through his X account. Another message said that he has been visiting her house several times and encouraging her to “not drive the law yet.” It is said that he also talked about going to the Fever game and sitting behind the bench.
Authorities spoke to Lewis about the messages on January 8, according to the station. She reportedly told authorities she was going on vacation in Indianapolis and reduced the number of text messages she sent to the WNBA sharpshooter.
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Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark during her introductory press conference on April 17, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lewis told authorities the messages were not threatening and called them “hoax” and “a joke.”
It is reported that Clark notified the authorities about the messages and said that he had become afraid because of the words that were sent to him.
“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, and that’s why many don’t,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, via FOX 59. “By 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.”
Lewis’ arrest comes nearly a month after an Oregon man pleaded guilty to stalking UConn Huskies women’s star Paige Bueckers.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) signs for young basketball fans following a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, was arrested in August and found with a wedding ring and underwear while walking near Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. He said he intended to marry Bueckers.
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