A 55-year-old Texas man told police he was in a “fictional relationship” with WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark and was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison Monday for pleading guilty and harassing Indiana fever defender.
He was also sentenced to 180 days of probation on harassment charges, according to ABC News.
Michael Lewis pleads guilty to harass Caitlin Clark
Michael Lewis of Denton, Texas, reached a deal with Marion County prosecutors to plead guilty to one felony suspected of stalking and one misdemeanor count.
According to an ESPN report, Lewis will receive time for the Marion County Adult Detention Center service since his arrest.
Lewis was also ordered to stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Fever Events, Indiana Pacers organizing events and Clark. During the verdict, he will not allow internet access.
According to Indianapolis’ WTHR Channel 13, Marion County Attorney Ryan Mears said: “The resolution ensures that the defendant is responsible for his threatening actions, the fear indoctrinated, and the damage he has caused.”
“He will now spend the next 2.5 years in the correction department and the victim will be able to rest assured while focusing on what is important to her.”
Lewis sends hundreds of threatening, sexually explicit messages on x
Lewis was arrested on January 12 after authorities claimed he had sent hundreds of “threatening and sexually explicit information” to Clark on X between December 12, 2024 and January 11, 2025.
Lewis delivered to Clark: “Driving three times a day,” court documents show. “But don’t call the law, allowing Publc to allow Gainbridge…Aka Caitlin’s Fieldhouse to drive.”
Another message read: “I got the ticket. I was sitting behind the bench.” Another read: “They said I was sending threatening text. But the only thing I thought of was….caitliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnn.”
According to court documents, other posts are “sexually clear.”
FBI tracks the IP address of Lewis message
The FBI, together with the Indianapolis Public Library, tracked the information address of Lewis to a hotel in downtown Indianapolis. His presence in Indiana is especially because he is a Texas resident, the affidavit says. ”
Indianapolis police then conducted a welfare check on Lewis, court documents show.
“when [officers] When asked why he made so many posts about Caitlyn Clark, Lewis said: “The reason everyone makes a post is the same.” Lewis claims it’s just a fictional relationship. ”
After the police’s first visit, the news to Clark continued.
Clark, the No. 1 draft pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been limited to 13 games this season due to injury and is currently in a situation due to tension in his right groin.
