Michael Lewis Faces Court After Stalking Allegations Against WNBA Star Caitlin Clark
INDIANAPOLIS — The courtroom was tense as Michael Lewis, a man accused of stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark, made his first appearance in front of a judge. The scene unfolded at Marion County Superior Court, where Lewis, who was arrested on a felony charge, seemed to be in a defiant mood. As he entered, he casually leaned back in his chair and declared, “guilty as charged,” interrupting the court proceedings multiple times.
Judge Angela Davis, presiding over the case, was quick to remind Lewis of his rights. “You have a right to remain silent, and I expect you to exercise that on me,” she stated firmly. Despite her warnings, Lewis, 55, continued to speak out of turn, prompting Judge Davis to reiterate her instruction to “stop talking.”
In a procedural move, Judge Davis entered a not guilty plea on Lewis’ behalf, explaining that she would not accept a guilty plea at an initial hearing. To ensure Lewis had legal representation, she assigned public defender Gavin Uitvlugt to his case.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, Lewis was ordered to be held on $50,000 bail. Additionally, Judge Davis issued a stern order for him to stay away from Indianapolis basketball arenas Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse, the home courts of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Furthermore, Lewis was instructed to have no contact with Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year.
The potential consequences for Lewis are severe. If convicted, he could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Court documents list Lewis as a resident of Denton, Texas, but during the hearing, he claimed to be living in his vehicle, which he drove to Indianapolis. His arrest took place at an Indianapolis hotel after he allegedly posted multiple explicit messages on social media, tagging Clark in the process.
Some of the messages were particularly alarming. “I’m getting tickets. I’m sitting behind the bench,” read one post. Another message ominously stated, “They said I was sending threatening texts..but the only thought on my mind was….CAITLIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNN.” Additional posts contained sexually violent material, further escalating the seriousness of the situation.
Prosecutors highlighted the impact of these posts in court documents, stating that they “caused Caitlin Clark to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened.” They also noted that an implicit or explicit threat was made “with the intent to place Caitlin Clark in reasonable fear of sexual battery.”
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears commended Clark for her bravery in coming forward. “It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Mears said on Monday. “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.”
Mears also praised the swift actions of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, which led to Lewis’s arrest over the weekend. Lewis is scheduled to return to Marion County Superior Court on March 31 for a pretrial hearing.
This case is not an isolated incident. In December, a 40-year-old man from Oregon pleaded guilty to stalking UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers. He received a one-year suspended sentence and three years’ probation, highlighting the ongoing issue of stalking in the sports world.
- Michael Lewis faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
- He is ordered to stay away from Caitlin Clark and Indianapolis basketball arenas.
- Lewis’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 31.
Originally Written by: Katie Barnes
