Texas man arrested for stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark
- Michael Lewis, a 55-year-old from Texas, was arrested in Indianapolis for stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
- He allegedly sent numerous threats and sexually explicit messages to Clark over social media.
- The case highlights the serious implications of online harassment and its potential escalation to real-life threats.
In January 2025, a Texas man named Michael Lewis was charged with stalking WNBA player Caitlin Clark after sending her a series of threatening and sexually explicit messages via social media. The Marion County Prosecutor's Office announced the charges following Lewis's arrest in Indianapolis. Investigators determined that between December 16, 2024, and January 2, 2025, he used the platform X to harass Clark. The police traced the messages to Lewis through his IP address, which led them to his hotel in Indianapolis, where he claimed to be on vacation while he admitted to having an 'imaginary relationship' with Clark. Clark, a rising star in women's basketball and notable for her performance with the Indiana Fever, expressed her fear for her safety after becoming aware of the unwarranted attention. She revealed that she had never communicated with Lewis and altered her daily routines to avoid potential encounters due to her increasing anxiety over the repeated messages. According to the authorities, Lewis acknowledged making the posts but dismissed them as jokes, insisting they were non-threatening. However, the content of the messages and his behavior led investigators to believe his conduct was serious enough to warrant legal action. In the aftermath of the investigation, a no-contact order was placed against Lewis, prohibiting him from being near Clark or her public appearances, including those at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The stalking charge carries significant legal implications, with Lewis facing a potential sentence of one to six years if convicted. Prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized in a statement the seriousness of online harassment and how it can quickly escalate into real-life threats, highlighting the need for women to feel safe in their workplaces and cities. Lewis is currently detained at the Marion County detention center and is expected to appear in court soon. The case has garnered attention not only due to the nature of the charges against him but also because it serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of social media on personal safety. Victims of online harassment often feel compelled to remain silent out of fear; however, Clark's decision to report the incident has reinforced the importance of accountability in such cases. This legal action against Lewis may also encourage other victims to come forward, knowing their concerns will be taken seriously by law enforcement.